The Effect of Novel Antihyperglycemic Treatments on Sarcopenia in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Aim: Previous studies indicate a possible association between weight losing interventions and reduced muscle function. There is scarce research on how novel glucose-lowering agents effect sarcopenia parameters. The present study aims to investigate the longitudinal relationship between current antihyperglycemic treatments and sarcopenia. Material and Methods: Type 2 diabetic patients aged 18 and above were enrolled in this longitudinal observational study. Patient characteristics, list of medications, hours of physical activity per week, laboratory values, anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength and body composition analyzed with bioelectrical impedance analysis were recorded at the initial presentation and at 6 months. Results: A total of 109 women (76%) and 34 men (24%) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were included. The mean age of study participants was 53.4±10.4 years, and the mean duration of DM was 10.2±8 years. At 6 months, weight, total fat mass, visceral fat mass, waist circumference, HbA1c, fasting glucose, serum insulin, LDL (low density lipoprotein) and vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower while muscle strength was significantly higher (p=0.012). There was a significant inverse association between age and muscle strength both initially and at 6 months (p=0.001 and 0.001 for women; p=0.005 and 0.001 for men, respectively). Duration of DM was inversely associated with muscle strength only for women (p=0.02 at initial presentation and p=0.001 at month 6). Frequency of probable sarcopenia was reduced at month 6 for both genders (p=0.029 for women and 0.5 for men). Conclusion: Glycemic control has a favorable effect on muscle function despite weight loss. Effective management of DM with novel antihyperglycemic agents may help prevent sarcopenia