Prevalence of Sarcopenia Among Ambulatory Elderly Egyptian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Sarcopenia is a well known geriatric syndrome but few studies address its prevalence among elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The etiology of sarco-penia is multi-factorial including related changes in the musculoskeletal, cellular and tissue structure and function. Skeletal muscles are involved in glucose metabolism and its impairment leads to insulin resistance. In the same context decrease in the skeletal muscle mass is the main contributor to sarcopenia. Therefore both diabetes and sarcopenia are related. Sarcopenia and diabetes both may lead to disability and premature mortality.