Effects of combined aerobic and resistance exercise on sarcopenia in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Aerobic exercise and resistance exercise have been shown to improve sarcopenia. However, whether combining aerobic and resistance exercise could alleviate sarcopenia symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated with sarcopenia remains unclear. This 12-week randomized controlled trial enrolled older patients with T2DM and sarcopenia, diagnosed by grip strength, appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), and the short physical performance battery. Participants were randomized to an exercise group (aerobic plus resistance training) or a control group receiving health education. Physical function was evaluated with the 6-min walk and timed up-and-go tests. Serum 25(OH)D3 was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and irisin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Before the intervention, there were no differences in baseline characteristics between the non-intervention and intervention groups. However, grip strength and ASMI significantly increased in patients in the intervention group after receiving combined aerobic and resistance exercise. Moreover, functional physical fitness also improved in the intervention group after the intervention. In addition, the sarcopenia-associated factors, including irisin and 25(OH)D3, increased significantly in patients with T2DM complicated with sarcopenia following the intervention. Overall, combined aerobic and resistance exercise may help alleviate sarcopenia in patients with T2DM.