Asian Journal of Internal Medicine · Sep 22, 2026
Prevalence of sarcopenia among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a northern Indian tertiary care centre: a CT-based assessment and its association with glycaemic indices
By Gupta I, Srivastava A, Agarwal J
Introduction: Sarcopenia is an age-related disorder characterised by a progressive decline in muscle mass and strength. Although it is age-related, systemic illnesses such as diabetes mellitus have a significant effect on its occurrence.Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate sarcopenia in patients with type 2 diabetes using abdominal CT, identify its association with glycaemic indices and investigate its association with diabetic complications.Methods and materials: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, MLN Medical College, Prayagraj, among patients aged >18 years with type 2 diabetes. The Psoas Muscle Index was calculated using non-contrast abdominal CT. Muscle strength and physical performance were evaluated using hand-grip strength, gait speed and the chair-stand test. Laboratory parameters were assessed to examine associations with diabetic complications.Results: Sarcopenia was associated with poor glycaemic control and a higher prevalence of nephropathy, cardiomyopathy and retinopathy than in the non-sarcopenic group. There were no significant differences between the groups in blood pressure, serum urea or creatinine levels, or the presence of neuropathy.Conclusion: Sarcopenia was highly prevalent among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and was significantly associated with poor glycaemic control. Sarcopenic patients also had a higher prevalence of retinopathy, cardiomyopathy and nephropathy than non-sarcopenic patients; however, because no multivariable adjustment was performed and sarcopenic patients were significantly older and had a longer duration of diabetes, these associations should not be interpreted as independent or causal. The relationship between sarcopenia and hyperglycaemia appears to be bidirectional: poor glycaemic control accelerates muscle loss, while reduced skeletal muscle mass further impairs glucose utilisation and perpetuates metabolic dysregulation. These findings highlight the importance of stringent glycaemic control and the early identification and management of sarcopenia to prevent or minimise functional decline and diabetes-related complications.