Introduction. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a significant global health concern with severe complications, including cardiovascular disease and kidney failure. Among these complications, sarcopenia—an age-related decline in muscle mass and function—has become increasingly prevalent. Identifying key risk factors for sarcopenia among elderly T2D patients is essential, as it can guide targeted lifestyle interventions to mitigate sarcopenia’s impact.
The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and identify associated factors among patients with T2D in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.
Materials and methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital outpatient clinic, between June 2023 and December 2023. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the 2019 Asian Working Group (AWGS) criteria using assessments of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. Data on socio-demographics, health characteristics, and dietary information were also collected. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with sarcopenia.
Results. Among 129 participants with T2D, the prevalence of sarcopenia was 44.2%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified older age, underweight, high-risk waist circumference, and low visceral fat percentage as factors significantly associated with sarcopenia. No statistically significant association was found between dietary habits and sarcopenia status in these T2D patients.
Conclusions. Our study showed that T2D patients, who are older adults, lower body mass index, and lower waist circumference have a significantly higher risk of sarcopenia. Dietary habits were not identified as a significant factor influencing sarcopenia prevalence.
Keywords: sarcopenia, type 2 diabetes, Mekong Delta.
Email to Author
Address for correspondence:
Faculty of Traditional Medicine, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Address: 179 Nguyen Van Cu, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam
Email: lmhoang@ctump.edu.vn
