Investigation of the frequency and characteristics of sarcopenia in patients over 65 YEARS of age with and without diabetes

The increase in the elderly population and prevalence of diabetes result in a rapid increase in the number of elderly diabetic patients. The prevalence of sarcopenia is higher in diabetics than normal population, and it negatively affects quality of life. Aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between diabetes and sarcopenia and to clarify the factors affecting the frequency and severity of sarcopenia in diabetic patients. Subjects who applied to Başkent University outpatient clinics were included. Variables of patients who agreed to participate were compared in a diabetic case group and a non-diabetic control group. Student T Test and Mann-Whitney U Test were used for comparison of two groups, and Kruskal-Wallis Test for more than two groups. Pearson Chi-Square Test and Fisher Exact Test or Yates Test were used for categorical variables. The case group contained 66 (50.8%) subjects and 64 subjects (49.2%) in the control group. Sarcopenia was detected in 16.2% (n=21) of subjects. Of the subjects 3.9% (n=5) were sarcopenic and 12.3% (n=16) were severe sarcopenic. Of these, 24.2% (n=16) were in the case group and 7.8% (n=5) were in the control group, and it seems that diabetes significantly increases the frequency of sarcopenia. The mean age was higher in the case group and the female sex ratio was higher in the control group. In terms of other sociodemographic characteristics, the case and control groups were found to be similar. No significant relationship was found between the age of diabetes, diabetic complications, glycemic level and sarcopenia. It was determined that the subjects in the case group had higher weight, BMI and fat mass, larger waist circumference, calf circumference and upper arm circumference. In order not to deteriorate the quality of life, screening for diabetes and sarcopenia should be performed and necessary precautions and treatments should be applied.