As the global population ages, more people are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and many of these older adults face an additional threat—sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength that happens with age.
This condition is particularly common among elderly people and can lead to serious health problems like an increased risk of falls, frailty, and even death.
Despite its serious effects, sarcopenia is not often studied in elderly people with diabetes.
A recent study from Peking Union Medical College Hospital aimed to change that. Researchers conducted a four-year study, following 244 elderly patients with T2DM to see how sarcopenia impacted their health.
The results, published in the Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, shed light on how dangerous sarcopenia can be for these patients.
The study found that 25.4% of the elderly patients with T2DM also had sarcopenia. These patients faced much higher risks of poor health outcomes.
Over an average follow-up period of 5.6 years, people with sarcopenia were 4.7 times more likely to experience severe disability, 1.7 times more likely to be rehospitalized, and 2.3 times more likely to die from any cause, even after adjusting for factors like age and other health conditions.
Patients with sarcopenia also had worse nutrition, higher rates of incontinence, and a history of falls, all of which contributed to their poor long-term health.
Dr. Lin Kang, the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of identifying sarcopenia early in elderly diabetics.
“Our research highlights the importance of recognizing sarcopenia as a key factor in the health management of elderly diabetics. Early identification and targeted interventions for sarcopenia could significantly improve their quality of life and lower the risk of disability, rehospitalization, and mortality,” said Dr. Kang.
The study recommends that hospitals include regular screening for sarcopenia in the care of elderly diabetic patients. Simple interventions like resistance exercises, better nutrition, and fall prevention programs could help reduce the harmful effects of sarcopenia.
Early action could not only improve the health and well-being of elderly patients but also lower healthcare costs by reducing hospital visits and long-term care needs.
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Source: KSR.
