Factors associated with poor glycemic control in older adults with sarcopenia

Abstract

Background: Older adults have a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and sarcopenia. Aging-related changes such as loss of muscle mass and insulin resistance increase the development of T2D. Several factors have been associated with poor glycemic control in older adults. Objectives: The objectives of the study are to determine the factors associated with poor glycemic control in older adults with sarcopenia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in ambulatory older adults with T2D. European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 criteria were used to define sarcopenia. The glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level is classified as poor glycemic control. Logistic regression analysis was performed with response variable: poor glycemic control, estimating the odds ratio, and 95% confidence intervals as a measure of effect size. Results: Sarcopenia was higher in subjects with poor glycemic control. The higher the HbA1c level, the greater the association with sarcopenia. In addition, poor glycemic control was associated with malnutrition, insulin resistance, the use of dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors, and insulin. Conclusion: Poor glycemic control in older adults is associated with the presence of sarcopenia, low muscle mass, malnutrition, insulin resistance, and the use of some antidiabetics.