Prevalence of Sarcopenia and Association with Lifestyle Patterns in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (P01-025-19)

The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence of sarcopenia and associated factors in elderly with type 2 diabetes (DM) in southern Brazil. A cross-sectional study was performed in 240 patients with type 2 DM. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was performed according to EWGSOP criteria. Muscle mass was calculated by skeletal muscle mass index (appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height² - Inbody® bioimpendance). Muscle strength was assessed by manual grip strength (Jamar® dynamometer) and physical performance was assessed by the sit and lift test. Patients with type 2 DM with age ≥60 years and with the ability to ambulate were selected. Patients with recent cardiovascular events, serum creatinine >2.0 mg/dl, use of corticosteroids and BMI >40 kg/m² were excluded. The sample size was 240 patients based on meta-analysis who found 17% sarcopenia in elderly patients without DM. We included 240 patients aged 68.4 ± 5.5 years, 53.2% were women and the duration of DM was 15 (8–22) years, the BMI was 29.4 ± 4.4 kg/m². The prevalence of sarcopenia was 21% and men had more sarcopenia (75%). Patients with sarcopenia walk less [3541 (2227–4574) vs. 4521 (3037–5678) steps, P = 0.013], drink more alcohol [21 (56.8%) vs. 71 (31.8%); P < 0.034] and have lower total cholesterol levels [146 ± 41 Vs. 168 ± 43; P = 0.007] than the group without sarcopenia. In multivariate logistic regression models, walking < 3760 steps [OR = 2868; CI 95% 1.331–6.181] and male [OR = 5285; CI 95% 2261–12,350], were associated with sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 21%, higher than in patients without diabetes (17%). In this group of patients, lower physical activity, and male sex were associated with sarcopenia. FIPE n. 160467; CAPES.