Frailty, Sarcopenia and Diabetes

Exercise for frailty research frontiers: a bibliometric analysis and systematic review

Background

Exercise intervention is a method of improving and preventing frailty in old age through physical exercise and physical activity. It has a positive impact on many chronic diseases and health risk factors, in particular cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, osteoporosis, mental health problems and cancer prevention, and exercise therapies can also fight inflammation, increase muscle strength and flexibility, improve immune function, and enhance overall health. This study was aimed to analyze research hotspots and frontiers in exercise therapies for frailty through bibliometric methods.

Methods

In this study, data of publications from 1st January 2003 to 31st August 2023 were gathered from the Web of Science Core Collection and analyzed the hotspots and frontiers of frailty research in terms of remarkable countries/regions, institutions, cited references, authors, cited journals, burst keywords, and high-frequency keywords using CiteSpace 6.2.R3 software. The PRISMA reporting guidelines were used for this study.

Results

A collection of 7,093 publications was obtained, showing an increasing trend each year. BMC Geriatrics led in publications, while Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences dominated in citations. The United States led in centrality and publications, with the University of Pittsburgh as the most productive institution. Leocadio R had the highest publication ranking, while Fried Lp ranked first among cited authors. Keywords in the domain of exercise therapies for frailty are "frailty," "older adult," "physical activity," "exercise," and "mortality," with "sarcopenia" exhibiting the greatest centrality. The keywords formed 19 clusters, namely "#0 older persons," "#1 mortality," "#2 muscle strength," "#3 bone mineral density," "#4 muscle mass," "#5 older adults," "#6 older people," "#7 women's health," "#8 frail elderly," "#9 heart failure," "#10 geriatric assessment," "#11 comprehensive geriatric assessment," "#12 outcm," "#13 alzheimers disease," "#14 quality of life," "#15 health care," "#16 oxidative stress," "#17 physical activity," and "#18 protein."

Conclusion

This study presents the latest developments and trends in research on frailty exercise intervention treatments over the past 20 years using CiteSpace visualization software. Through systematic analyses, partners, research hotspots and cutting-edge directions were revealed, providing a guiding basis for future research.

Nutritional approaches targeting mitochondria for the prevention of sarcopenia

A decline in function and loss of mass, a condition known as sarcopenia, is observed in the skeletal muscles with aging. Sarcopenia has a negative effect on the quality of life of elderly. Individuals with sarcopenia are at particular risk for adverse outcomes, such as reduced mobility, fall-related injuries, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although the pathogenesis of sarcopenia is multifaceted, mitochondrial dysfunction is regarded as a major contributor for muscle aging. Hence, the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies to improve mitochondrial function during aging is imperative for sarcopenia treatment. However, effective and specific drugs that can be used for the treatment are not yet approved. Instead studies on the relationship between food intake and muscle aging have suggested that nutritional intake or dietary control could be an alternative approach for the amelioration of muscle aging. This narrative review approaches various nutritional components and diets as a treatment for sarcopenia by modulating mitochondrial homeostasis and improving mitochondria. Age-related changes in mitochondrial function and the molecular mechanisms that help improve mitochondrial homeostasis are discussed, and the nutritional components and diet that modulate these molecular mechanisms are addressed.

Social isolation and depression as risk factors for weight loss of 5kg or more among older Korean adults

Given a well-known overlapping prevalence of social isolation with loneliness and depression among older adults, this study aimed to contextually investigate the relationship of these constructs with weight loss of more than 5kg in a year, with a special focus on the intersection of living alone and marital dissolution as key dimensions of isolation. The data were obtained from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) from 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018, with an adult sample of those aged 65 and older (n = 5,481). The study evaluated several critical dimensions of social isolation: living alone, transition to living alone, infrequent social contact with children or friends, and infrequent social participation. These dimensions were examined individually and as a composite scale, along with loneliness and depressive symptoms, to determine their association with weight loss of 5kg or greater among older men and women. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) regression models enabled investigation of whether socially isolated men and women tended to lose 5kg or more in weight, given other confounding factors. Surprisingly, the results showed no evidence of such a trend. However, significant associations were found between weight loss and changes in living alone and marital status. For older men, transitioning to living alone without a change in marital status was linked to significant weight loss. For older women, transitioning to living alone following widowhood or divorce was the risk factor. These relationships remained significant even after adjusting for depression and a wide range of covariates. Additional analysis testing a cumulative effect revealed that only depression was a risk factor for being underweight at the last observation. Therefore, to prevent a clinically risky extent of weight loss, health policies for older Koreans should focus on those who transition to living alone, especially due to spousal bereavement or divorce (among women) and separation from living with children (among men).

Comparative effectiveness of different modes of exercise interventions in diabetics with frailty in China: a systematic review and a network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically evaluate the efficacy of different training modes in patients with diabetes decline.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, WANFANG, SinoMed were searched in computer to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of training intervention in patients with diabetes and frailty, and the search time was as of May 21, 2023. After two review authors independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies, network meta-analysis was performed using Stata14.0 and R4.3.1 software. Fasting blood glucose (FGB), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), two-hour postprandial blood glucose (PBG), total cholesterol (TCH), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and body mass index (BMI) were used as outcome measures.

RESULTS

A total of 15 RCTs were included, including 1550 patients. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that integrated training reduced FBG compared with the control group; integrated training, Pilates training, resistance training can reduce HbA1c; Pilates training and resistance training can reduce PBG; integrated training, Pilates training, resistance training can reduce TCH; Pilates training and resistance training can reduce TG; resistance training improves BMI. The results of the best probability ranking showed that multi-group training had the most significant effect on improving PBG and SPPB scores.

CONCLUSION

The current evidence suggests that multi-group training is the best way to reduce fasting blood glucose and improve physical activity before meals, and Pilates training may be the best way to reduce glycated hemoglobin, blood glucose two hours after meals, improve blood lipid level and BMI in patients with diabetes in China.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number for this study: CRD42023427868.

Associations between handgrip strength and skeletal muscle mass with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in people with type 2 diabetes: A prospective cohort study of the UK Biobank

AIMS

To explore the associations between handgrip strength (HGS) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were obtained from the UK Biobank. Baseline survey was conducted between 2006 and 2010, and followed up for a median of 12.52 years. HGS was measured using dynamometer, and SMM was measured using bioelectrical impedance method. Mortality was available via links to the National Health Service Information Centre. Sex-specific analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 13 392 T2DM participants were included, with a mean age of 60.39 years and 52.35% men. During the follow-up, there were 3006 (22.45%) deaths, including 746 (5.57%) CVD deaths. The risk for all-cause mortality and CVD mortality among both men and women increased progressively with decreasing HGS quartiles (p trend <.05). A 1 SD decrease in HGS was found to both increase the all-cause risk (HR: 1.31 [95% CI: 1.24-1.38]) and CVD mortality risk (HR: 1.35 [95% CI: 1.22-1.50]) for men, and all-cause risk (HR: 1.26 [95% CI: 1.11-1.42]) and CVD mortality risk (HR: 1.43 [95% CI: 1.09-1.89]) for women. There was no statistically significant trend association between SMM/height2 and mortality risk, and the restricted cubic regression splines indicated that SMM/height2 showed a U-shaped nonlinear relationship (pnonlinear  <.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Grip strength displayed a linear downward trend with mortality risk among T2DM patients, whereas muscle mass showed a U-shaped relationship. Low grip strength seemed to be a better predictor for mortality compared to low muscle mass.

Diabetes management in cancer patients. An Italian Association of Medical Oncology, Italian Association of Medical Diabetologists, Italian Society of Diabetology, Italian Society of Endocrinology and Italian Society of Pharmacology multidisciplinary consensus position paper

Cancer management has significantly evolved in recent years, focusing on a multidisciplinary team approach to provide the best possible patient care and address the various comorbidities, toxicities, and complications that may arise during the patient's treatment journey. The co-occurrence of diabetes and cancer presents a significant challenge for health care professionals worldwide. Management of these conditions requires a holistic approach to improve patients' overall health, treatment outcomes, and quality of life, preventing diabetes complications and cancer treatment side-effects. In this article, a multidisciplinary panel of experts from different Italian scientific societies provide a critical overview of the co-management of cancer and diabetes, with an increasing focus on identifying a novel specialty field, 'diabeto-oncology', and suggest new co-management models of cancer patients with diabetes to improve their care. To better support cancer patients with diabetes and ensure high levels of coordinated care between oncologists and diabetologists, 'diabeto-oncology' could represent a new specialized field that combines specific expertise, skills, and training.

Hospital-associated sarcopenia and the preventive effect of high energy intake along with intensive rehabilitation in patients with acute stroke

OBJECTIVES

Hospital-associated sarcopenia is prevalent and associated with poor outcomes in acutely admitted patients. Prevention of developing sarcopenia during hospitalization is an important factor in stroke management. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether energy intake and rehabilitation duration contribute to the prevention of hospital-associated sarcopenia in patients with acute stroke.

METHODS

Patients with acute stroke were included in this study. Energy intake during the first week of hospitalization was classified as "high" or "low" based on the reported cutoff value. Rehabilitation time during hospitalization was classified as "intense" or "mild" based on the median. The four groups were compared based on the combinations of high or low energy intake and intense or mild rehabilitation. The primary outcome was the development of sarcopenia during hospitalization. The secondary outcome was the Functional Independence Measure motor item gain during hospitalization. Multivariate analysis was performed with the primary or secondary outcome as the dependent variable and the effect of each group on the outcome was examined.

RESULTS

A total of 112 participants (mean age = 70.6 y; 63 men) were included in the study. Multivariate analysis found that high × intense (odds ratio = 0.113; P = 0.041) was independently associated with the development of sarcopenia during hospitalization (i.e., hospital-related sarcopenia). High × intense (β = 0.395; P < 0.001) was independently associated with the gain of Functional Independence Measure motor items.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with acute stroke, the combination of high energy intake and adequate rehabilitation time is associated with prevention of hospital-associated sarcopenia.

A Mobile Intervention Designed Specifically for Older Adults With Frailty to Support Healthy Eating: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Frailty, a common geriatric syndrome, predisposes older adults to functional decline. No medications can alter frailty's trajectory, but nutritional interventions may aid in supporting independence.

OBJECTIVE

This paper presents a pilot randomized controlled trial to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a mobile health intervention, "Olitor," designed to enhance adherence to the Mediterranean diet among older adults with frailty, requiring no external assistance.

METHODS

The study sample consisted of 15 participants aged 66-77 (mean 70.5, SD 3.96) years randomized into intervention (n=8; 8 females; mean 72.4, SD 4.8 years) and control groups (n=7; 6 females, 1 male; mean 70.0, SD 3.9 years). The intervention involved a patient-facing mobile app called "Olitor" and a secure web-based administrative dashboard. Participants were instructed to use the app at least weekly for 3 months, which provided feedback on their food choices, personalized recipe recommendations, and an in-app messaging feature. Using Mann-Whitney tests to compare change scores and Hedges g statistics to estimate effect sizes, the primary efficacy outcomes were adherence to the Mediterranean diet score and insulin resistance measures. Secondary outcomes included retention as a measure of feasibility, engagement level and user app quality ratings for acceptability, and additional metrics to evaluate efficacy. Models were adjusted for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

The findings demonstrated a significant improvement in the Mediterranean diet adherence score in the intervention group compared to the control (W=50.5; adjusted P=.04) with median change scores of 2 (IQR 2-4.25) and 0 (IQR -0.50 to 0.50), respectively. There was a small and insignificant reduction in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance measure (W=23; adjusted P=.85). Additionally, there were significant increases in legume intake (W=54; adjusted P<.01). The intervention's effect size was large for several outcomes, such as Mediterranean diet adherence (Hedges g=1.58; 95% CI 0.34-2.67) and vegetable intake (Hedges g=1.14; 95% CI 0.08-2.21). The retention rate was 100%. The app's overall quality rating was favorable with an average interaction time of 12 minutes weekly.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study revealed the potential of the mobile intervention "Olitor" in promoting healthier eating habits among older adults with frailty. It demonstrated high retention rates, significant improvement in adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and increased intake of recommended foods. Insulin resistance showed a minor nonsignificant improvement. Several secondary outcomes, such as lower extremity function and Mediterranean diet knowledge, had a large effect size. Although the app's behavior change features were similar to those of previous digital interventions, the distinctive focus on theory-informed mechanistic measures involved in behavioral change, such as self-regulation, self-efficacy, and expected negative outcomes, may have enhanced its potential. Further investigations in a more diverse and representative population, focusing on individuals with impaired insulin sensitivity, are warranted to validate these preliminary findings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05236712; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05236712.

Lower circulating irisin levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with chronic complications: A meta-analysis

Purpose

The aim of this study was to provide evidence of the differences in circulating irisin levels between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with and without chronic complications.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis to compare circulating irisin levels between different groups. Literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, WanFang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases from inception through December 2022. Random effects model and standard mean difference (SMD) was used to calculate the pooled outcomes with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Forty-two studies that matched the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Circulating irisin levels were significantly lower in T2DM patients with chronic complications than those in T2DM patients without chronic complications (SMD: -1.43; 95 % CI: -1.76 to -1.09; p < 0.00001) and healthy control group (SMD: -2.40; 95 % CI: -3.02 to -1.77; p < 0.00001). Moreover, irisin levels further decrease with the aggravation of complications in T2DM patients with diabetic nephropathy or diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusion

Compared with T2DM patients without chronic complications, T2DM patients with chronic complications had lower circulating irisin levels. In addition, irisin levels were negatively correlated with the severity of chronic complications.

Prevalence and related factors of cognitive frailty in diabetic patients in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

Cognitive frailty (CF) is characterized by physical frailty and potentially reversible cognitive impairment without Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Clarifying the prevalence and related factors of cognitive frailty can help researchers understand its epidemiological status and formulate intervention measures. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and related factors of CF in diabetic patients in Chinas to better understand the current status of CF in diabetic patients in China and develop effective intervention measures for related factors.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Weipu(VIP), WANFANG, China Biology Medicine (CBM) and DUXIU were searched to collect epidemiological data on Chinese diabetic patients. Articles published through May 29, 2023, were searched. The number of diabetes with CF and the total number of diabetes in the included studies were extracted to estimate the prevalence of diabetes with CF. For factors related to diabetes with CF, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used for estimation.

Results

A total of 248 records were screened, of which 18 met the inclusion criteria. The results of meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of Chinese diabetic patients with CF was 25.8% (95% CI = 19.7 to 31.9%). Subgroup analysis showed that hospital prevalence was higher than in the community and in women than in men. Combined estimates showed that depression, malnutrition, advanced age (≥70, ≥80), combined chronic diseases ≥4 and glycated hemoglobin ≥8.5 were risk factors for CF in diabetics patients in China, with regular exercise and high education level (≥ college) as protective factors.

Conclusion

Cognitive frailty was common in diabetic patients in China. Such populations should be screened early and intervened with relevant factors.Systematic review registration: A systematic review of this study evaluated the registered websites as https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42023431396.

The role of chicken eggs in modulating sarcopenic obesity and gut microbiota in db/db mice

Background

Sarcopenia obesity, in which loss of muscle mass and fat accumulation occur simultaneously, is the pathological basis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The usefulness of chicken eggs in sarcopenia prevention has been reported in several previous studies. The purpose of this study was to determine the beneficial effects of chicken eggs in the prevention of sarcopenic obesity in db/db mice.

Methods

We raised 8-week-old db/db male mice, a model of sarcopenia obesity, for 8 weeks and fed them a diet mixed with dried whole eggs. The fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) group was treated with antibiotics for 2 weeks, starting at 6 weeks of age, followed by FMT twice a week until 16 weeks of age.

Results

Eggs administered to db/db mice showed increased grip strength (p = 0.022) and muscle mass (p = 0.013), decreased visceral fat mass (p = 0.005), and significantly increased physical activity (p < 0.001). The FMT group of egg-fed mice showed a significant improvement in glucose intolerance and sarcopenic obesity. Sequencing of gene expression in the small intestine showed that the gene expression of amino acid transporters such as Slc6a18, Slc6a19, and Slc38a6 was increased in egg-fed mice. 16S rRNA sequencing of the gut microbiota showed an increase in the genus Vampirovibrio in both the egg-fed and FMT groups compared to that in egg-fed mice.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that egg consumption not only increases the intake of amino acids and other nutrients but also alters the intestinal microbiota and increases amino acid absorption from the intestinal tract, suggesting that eggs might contribute to the ameliorative mechanism of sarcopenic obesity.

Role of Muscle Ultrasound for the Study of Frailty in Elderly Patients with Diabetes: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia and diabetes contribute to the development of frailty. Therefore, accessible methods, such as muscle ultrasounds (MUSs), to screen for sarcopenia should be implemented in clinical practice.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional pilot study including 47 patients with diabetes (mean age: 77.72 ± 5.08 years, mean weight: 75.8 kg ± 15.89 kg, and body mass index: 31.19 ± 6.65 kg/m²) categorized as frail by the FRAIL Scale or Clinical Frailty Scale and confirmed by Fried's Frailty Phenotype or Rockwood's 36-item Frailty Index. We used the SARC-F questionnaire to identify sarcopenia. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests were used to assess physical performance and the risk of falls, respectively. In addition, other variables were measured: fat-free mass (FFM) and Sarcopenia Risk Index (SRI) with the bioimpedance analysis (BIA); thigh muscle thickness (TMT) of the quadriceps with MUS; and hand-grip strength with dynamometry.

RESULTS

We observed correlations between the SARC-F and FFM (R = -0.4; p < 0.002) and hand-grip strength (R = -0.5; p < 0.0002), as well as between the TMT and FFM of the right leg (R = 0.4; p < 0.02) and the SRI (R = 0.6; p < 0.0001). We could predict sarcopenia using a logistic regression model with a ROC curve (AUC = 0.78) including FFM, handgrip strength, and TMT. The optimal cut-off point for maximum efficiency was 1.58 cm for TMT (sensitivity = 71.4% and specificity = 51.5%). However, we did not observe differences in the TMT among groups of greater/less frailty based on the SARC-F, SPPB, and TUG (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MUSs, which correlated with the BIA (R = 0.4; p < 0.02), complemented the diagnosis, identifying regional sarcopenia of the quadriceps in frail patients with diabetes and improving the ROC curve to AUC = 0.78. In addition, a TMT cut-off point for the diagnosis of sarcopenia of 1.58 cm was obtained. Larger studies to validate the MUS technique as a screening strategy are warranted.

Characterization of data-driven geriatric syndrome clusters in older people with HIV: a Mexican multicenter cross-sectional study

Background

As living with HIV has been proposed as a condition that may accelerate aging, the main objective of this work was to estimate the prevalence of geriatric syndromes (GS) among older Mexicans with HIV dwelling in the community. Secondly, to evaluate whether the accumulation of GS could be associated with an adverse HIV-related clinical profile, independent of chronological age.

Methods

Multicenter, cross-sectional study including 501 community-dwelling people aged ≥50 years with HIV. The overall prevalence of nine selected GS and their cumulative number were estimated. An Age-Independent Cumulative Geriatric Syndromes scale (AICGSs) was constructed, and correlations between the AICGSs and HIV-related parameters assessed. Finally, k-mean clustering analyses were performed to test the secondary objective.

Findings

Median age 56 (IQR: 53-61) years, 81.6% of men. Polypharmacy (74.8%), sensorial deficit (71.2%), cognitive impairment (53.6%), physical disability (41.9%), pre-frailty (27.9%), and falls (29.7%), were the more prevalent GS. A significant negative correlation was found between the AICGSs and normalized values of CD4+ nadir cell counts (r = -0.126; 95%: CI: -0.223 to -0.026, p < 0.05). Similarly, a significant inverse adjusted association between the CD4+ nadir cells and the AICGSs was observed on linear regression analysis (β -0.058; 95%: CI: -0.109 to -0.007, p = 0.03). Cluster analysis identified three differentiated groups varying by age, metabolic comorbidities, AICGSs, and HIV-related parameters.

Interpretation

An elevated prevalence of GS was observed in the studied population. Moreover, the accumulation of GS was associated with adverse HIV-related profiles, independent of age. Thus, early detection and management of GS are crucial to promote healthier aging trajectories in people with HIV.

Funding

This work was funded in part by the National Center for the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS in Mexico (CENSIDA)-National Ministry of Health.

Burden of disability in type 2 diabetes mellitus and the moderating effects of physical activity

The growing diabetic epidemic has created a substantial burden, not only on the people with diabetes but also on society at large. This mini-review discussed the limitations and patterns of disability in type 2 diabetes mellitus and put forward a case for the moderating effects of physical activity (PA) in the management of diabetes. The limitations and impairments associated with diabetes include vascular, neurological, cardiac, and renal impairments. Moreover, individuals participate less in their daily lives and in their instrumental activities of daily living, which negatively impacts the quality of life of individuals with diabetes. This often leads to a loss of quality of life due to disabilities, resulting in an increased rate of disability-adjusted life years among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, there are psychosocial sequelae of diabetes mellitus. This necessitates looking for moderating factors that may reduce the burden of the disease. PA has been shown to be one of the factors that can mitigate these burdens. PA does this in several ways, including through the benefits it confers, such as a reduction of hemoglobin A1c, a reduction of excess fat in the liver and pancreas, and the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors, all of which favorably affect glycemic parameters. Specifically, PA regulates or moderates diabetes disability through two mechanisms: The regulation of glucolipid metabolism disorders and the optimization of body mass index and systemic conditions. Therefore, efforts should be directed at PA uptake through identified strategies. This will not only prevent diabetes or diabetes complications but will reduce its burden.

Amino Acid Profiles in Older Adults with Frailty: Secondary Analysis from MetaboFrail and BIOSPHERE Studies

An altered amino acid metabolism has been described in frail older adults which may contribute to muscle loss and functional decline associated with frailty. In the present investigation, we compared circulating amino acid profiles of older adults with physical frailty and sarcopenia (PF&S, n = 94), frail/pre-frail older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (F-T2DM, n = 66), and robust non-diabetic controls (n = 40). Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models were built to define the amino acid signatures associated with the different frailty phenotypes. PLS-DA allowed correct classification of participants with 78.2 ± 1.9% accuracy. Older adults with F-T2DM showed an amino acid profile characterized by higher levels of 3-methylhistidine, alanine, arginine, ethanolamine, and glutamic acid. PF&S and control participants were discriminated based on serum concentrations of aminoadipic acid, aspartate, citrulline, cystine, taurine, and tryptophan. These findings suggest that different types of frailty may be characterized by distinct metabolic perturbations. Amino acid profiling may therefore serve as a valuable tool for frailty biomarker discovery.

Dental care and oral conditions are associated with the prevalence of sarcopenia in people with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance, which is closely associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is a cause of sarcopenia and people with T2DM have a high risk of sarcopenia. Keeping good oral condition by dental care is important for people with T2DM. Keeping good oral condition by dental care is important for people with T2DM. This study has investigated the association between dental care or oral conditions and sarcopenia in people with T2DM.

METHODS

Dental care and oral conditions were evaluated based on a self-reported questionnaire. Individuals with both low handgrip strength and low skeletal muscle mass index were diagnosed with sarcopenia.

RESULTS

Among 266 people with T2DM, the proportions of sarcopenia, not having a family dentist, not having a toothbrushing behavior, poor chewing ability, and use of complete dentures were 18.0%, 30.5%, 33.1%, 25.2%, and 14.3%, respectively. The proportions of sarcopenia in people not having a family dentist (27.2% vs. 14.1%, p = 0.017), those with poor chewing ability (26.9% vs. 15.1%, p = 0.047), and use of complete dentures (36.8% vs. 14.9%, p = 0.002) were higher than those in people without. The proportion of sarcopenia in people without toothbrushing behavior tended to be higher than that in people with toothbrushing behavior (25.0% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.057). Not having a family dentist (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.48 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21-5.09], p = 0.013), poor chewing ability (adjusted OR 2.12 [95% CI: 1.01-4.46], p = 0.048), and use of complete dentures (adjusted OR 2.38 [95% CI: 1.01-5.99], p = 0.046) were related to the prevalence of sarcopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that dental care and oral conditions were associated with the prevalence of sarcopenia.

Protein and Leucine Intake at Main Meals in Elderly People with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: The recommended protein intake for the elderly is 25–30 g at main meals, with at least 2500–2800 mg of leucine at each meal. There is still little evidence regarding the amount and distribution of protein and leucine intake with meals in the elderly with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated protein and leucine intake at each meal in elderly patients with T2D. Methods: A total of 138 patients (91 men and 47 women) with T2D, aged 65 years or older, were included. Participants performed three 24-h dietary recalls for the evaluation of their dietary habits and protein and leucine intake at meals. Results: The average protein intake was 0.9 ± 0.2 g/kg body weight/day, and only 23% of patients complied with the recommendations. The average protein intake was 6.9 g at breakfast, 29 g at lunch, and 21 g at dinner. None of the patients reached the recommended protein intake at breakfast; 59% of patients complied with the recommendations at lunch; and 32% at dinner. The average leucine intake was 579 mg at breakfast, 2195 g at lunch, and 1583 mg at dinner. The recommended leucine intake was not reached by any patient at breakfast, by 29% of patients at lunch, and by 13% at dinner. Conclusions: Our data show that, in elderly patients with T2D, the average protein intake is low, particularly at breakfast and dinner, and that leucine intake is remarkably lower than the recommended levels. These data raise the need to implement nutritional strategies capable of increasing protein and leucine intake in the elderly with T2D.

Association of metformin exposure with low risks of frailty and adverse outcomes in patients with diabetes

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is an independent risk factor of frailty, which increases adverse outcomes in patients with diabetes. Metformin is a common antidiabetic drug in clinical practice. Insulin resistance and chronic inflammation are the two common mechanisms of diabetes and frailty, as well as the main targets of metformin. Research suggested that metformin has anti-aging potential. However, few studies focus on the relationship between metformin and frailty. Thus, we aimed to explore whether metformin was associated with a low risk of frailty and other adverse outcomes in diabetic patients.

METHODS

A total of 422 patients (≥ 40 years old) with type 2 diabetes were recruited. Frailty was defined by the Fried phenotype. General information and metformin exposure data were collected, and comprehensive geriatric assessment and laboratory tests were performed. Follow-up was conducted after 4.5 years. The primary outcome was the combined endpoint of cardiovascular events, cerebrovascular events, readmission, and death. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association of metformin with frailty. Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

The total prevalence of frailty was 19.4% among the participants with diabetes. 13.1% of patients in the metformin group and 28.2% in the non-metformin group had frailty. Metformin was inversely associated with frailty after adjusting for age, sex, duration, blood glucose levels, target organ damage, comorbidities, and polypharmacy. Further longitudinal analysis showed that metformin was also independently associated with a low risk of combined primary outcomes after adjusting for multiple covariables, while frailty was related to an increased risk of the combined primary outcomes. In the non-frail group, metformin was associated with a decreased risk of combined primary outcomes after adjustment for age and sex. However, the protective effect of metformin on adverse outcomes was not found in frail participants with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Metformin use is associated with a reduced risk of frailty. In addition, frailty may attenuate the protective effects of metformin on adverse outcomes in diabetic patients. The early identification and prevention of frailty progression may help enhance the benefits of metformin in patients with diabetes.

Comprehensive review: Frailty in pancreas transplant candidates and recipients

Well-selected patients with kidney disease and diabetes mellitus who undergo simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation often experience dramatic improvements in quality of life and long-term survival compared to those who remain on medical therapy. Over the past several years the importance of frailty in the pancreas transplant candidate and recipient populations has grown. More patients with advanced age have entered the waitlist, and complications from prolonged diabetes, even in younger patients, have created increased evidence of risk for frailty. Given these concerns, and the broad challenges facing pancreas transplantation volumes overall, we generated this review to help establish the impact and implications. We summarize the interplay of immunological factors, aging, environmental factors, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease that put these patients at risk for frailty. We discuss its measurement and recommend a combination of two instruments (both well-validated and one entirely objective). We describe the outcomes for patients before and after pancreas transplantation who may have frailty, and what interventions can be taken to mitigate its effects. Broader investigation into frailty in the pancreas transplant population is needed to better understand how to select patients for pancreas transplantation and to how manage its consequences thereafter.

Hypoglycemic drug liraglutide alleviates low muscle mass by inhibiting the expression of MuRF1 and MAFbx in diabetic muscle atrophy

BACKGROUND

Low muscle mass, that is, muscular atrophy, is an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Few studies investigated whether hypoglycemic drugs can alleviate low muscle mass and related mechanisms.

METHODS

This study recruited 51 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, who were divided into two groups based on skeletal muscle index (SMI) evaluated by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA): the experiment group (n = 25, SMI < 7 kg/m 2 ) and the control group (n = 26, SMI≥7 kg/m 2 ). GLP-1 levels were measured by ELISA. In vitro, 10 KK-A y mice (11- to 12-week-old) were assigned into two groups: liraglutide group (n = 5) and saline group (n = 5). Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to determine the expression levels of muscle specific ubiquitin protease E3, MuRF1, and MAFbx.

RESULTS

T2DM patients with a higher SMI had significantly higher GLP-1 levels (t = 3.77, p < 0.001). SMI were positively associated with GLP-1 levels (β = 0.435, p = 0.001) and inversely associated with age (β = 0.299, p = 0.015). The incidence of low muscle mass at below the second quartiles was 10.55 times that of above the second quartiles (odds ratio = 10.556, p < 0.001). Liraglutide-treatment mice showed significant decrease in food intake, final body weight, fasting blood glucose, and significant increase in skeletal muscle mass, which coincided with the significant decrease in the expression levels of ubiquitin protease E3 MuRF1 and MAFbx. In vitro studies showed that liraglutide promoted myogenic differentiation and attenuated dexamethasone (DEX)-induced myotube atrophy. Ectopic expression of MuRF1 and MAFbx antagonized the beneficial effects of liraglutide on DEX-induced myotube atrophy.

CONCLUSION

T2DM patients have muscular atrophy, and liraglutide alleviates muscular atrophy at least in part by inhibiting the expression of MuRF1 and MAFbx.

BMP-7 Attenuates Sarcopenia and Adverse Muscle Remodeling in Diabetic Mice via Alleviation of Lipids, Inflammation, HMGB1, and Pyroptosis

Diabetic myopathy involves hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. However, the role of hypercholesterolemia-induced inflammation-mediated pathological mechanisms leading to fibrosis, sarcopenia, deterioration of muscle, and muscle dysfunction in diabetes is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the novel role of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) in ameliorating metabolic alterations, inflammation, pyroptosis, TGF-β/SMAD cell signaling mechanisms, and progression of diabetic myopathy. C57BL/6J mice were treated with saline, streptozotocin (STZ), or STZ+BMP-7. Diabetes was confirmed by increased fasting glucose levels and a glucose tolerance test. Gastrocnemius muscle and blood samples were collected for lipid and tissue analysis using various methods. A significant increase in hyperglycemia resulted in an increase in lipid accumulation, monocyte infiltration, and inflammation, as well as an increase in pyroptotic markers and signaling markers in diabetic muscle myocytes. A structural analysis showed significant muscle loss, and increased muscle deterioration and fibrosis leading to muscle dysfunction. BMP-7 attenuated pathological processes that resulted in significantly improved muscle function. We report, for the first time, that increased hyperlipidemia aggravates inflammation-induced pyroptosis, resulting in significant muscle loss, sarcopenia, and adverse skeletal muscle remodeling in diabetic muscle myopathy. Interventional treatment with BMP-7 attenuates hypercholesterolemia-induced inflammation-mediated sarcopenia and adverse muscle remodeling, suggesting BMP-7 could be a potential treatment option for diabetic muscle myopathy.

Individual frailty phenotype components and mortality in adults with type 2 diabetes: A UK Biobank study

AIMS

This study aimed to explore associations between frailty components and mortality and rank prognostic relevance of each frailty component in predicting mortality in adults with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

We used data from the UK Biobank. Associations and prognostic discrimination of individual Fried's frailty components and the overall frailty status with all-cause and cardiovascular (CVD) mortality were investigated using Cox proportional-hazard models and C-index in adults with and without T2D.

RESULTS

In both populations the strongest association with all-cause mortality across all frailty components and overall frailty status was observed for slow walking pace (without T2D Hazard Ratio [HR] 2.25, 95 %CI: 2.12-2.38 and with T2D HR 1.95, 95 %CI: 1.67-2.28). Similarly, slow walking pace was associated with a greater risk of CVD mortality. The combination of T2D and slow walking pace had the strongest association with all-cause and CVD mortality, compared to the combination of T2D and other frailty components or overall frailty status. Slow walking pace also provided the greatest prognostic discrimination.

CONCLUSION

Slow walking pace has a stronger predictive factor for all-cause and CVD mortality compared to other frailty components and overall frailty status, especially when simultaneously present with T2D.

Effects of hypoglycaemic therapy on frailty: a multi-dimensional perspective

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing in older people. With increasing age, frailty emerges as a new complication leading to disability. Frailty does not only include physical dysfunction but also involves negative impact on cognition and mood. Triad of impairments (TOI) is a new concept that includes physical frailty, dementia and depression to reflect the wider spectrum of frailty.

AREAS COVERED

Little is known about effects of hypoglycaemic agents on frailty syndrome. A literature search was performed on studies, which reported effects of hypoglycaemic agents on the component of the TOI.

EXPERT OPINION

It appears that most hypoglycaemic agents have some effects on frailty, although the results of clinical studies are inconsistent. Metformin seems to have a consistent and a positive effect on physical frailty. Its effects on cognitive function, however, are inconclusive but tend to be positive. Metformin appeared to improve depressive symptoms. Other agents such as incretins, thiazolidinediones, and sodium glucose transporter-2 inhibitors have some positive effects on cognition and depression. Sulfonylureas, glinides, or insulin have either negative or neutral effects on TOI components. The negative effects of insulin could be partially explained by the negative psychological factors and the frequent episodes of hypoglycemia associated with such therapy.

The impact of cardiovascular health and frailty on mortality for males and females across the life course

BACKGROUND

The effect of frailty and poor cardiovascular health on mortality for males and females is not fully elucidated. We investigated whether the combined burden of frailty and poor cardiovascular health is associated with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality by sex and age.

METHODS

We analyzed data of 35,207 non-institutionalized US residents aged 20-85 years old (mean age [standard deviation]: 46.6 [16.7 years], 51.4% female, 70.8% White, 10.3% Black, 13.2% Hispanic) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2015). Cardiovascular health was measured with the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 score (LS7). A 33-item frailty index (FI) was constructed to exclude cardiovascular health deficits. We grouped the FI into 0.1 increments (non-frail: FI &lt; 0.10, very mildly frail: 0.1 ≤ FI &lt; 0.20, mildly frail: 0.20 ≤ FI &lt; 0.30, and moderately/severely frail: FI ≥ 0.30) and LS7 into tertiles (T1[poor] = 0-7, T2[intermediate] = 8-9, T3[ideal] = 10-14). All-cause and CVD mortality data were analyzed up to 16 years. All regression models were stratified by sex.

RESULTS

The average FI was 0.09 (SD 0.10); 29.6% were at least very mildly frail, and the average LS7 was 7.9 (2.3). Mortality from all-causes and CVD were 8.5% (4228/35,207) and 6.1% (2917/35,207), respectively. The median length of follow-up was 8.1 years. The combined burden of frailty and poor cardiovascular health on mortality risk varied according to age in males (FI*age interaction p = 0.01; LS7*age interaction p &lt; 0.001) but not in females. In females, poor FI and LS7 combined to predict all-cause and CVD mortality in a dose-response manner. All-cause and CVD mortality risk was greater for older males (60 and 70 years old) who were at least mildly frail and had intermediate cardiovascular health or worse (hazard ratio [lower/higher confidence interval ranges] range: all-cause mortality = 2.02-5.30 [1.20-4.04, 3.15-6.94]; CVD-related mortality = 2.22-7.16 [1.03-4.46, 4.49-11.50]) but not for younger males (30, 40, and 50 years old).

CONCLUSIONS

The combined burden of frailty and LS7 on mortality is similar across all ages in females. In males, this burden is greater among older people. Adding frailty to assessments of overall cardiovascular health may identify more individuals at risk for mortality and better inform decisions to implement preventative or treatment approaches.

Fatigue and depression in elderly patients with poorly controlled diabetes

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the severity of depression and fatigue in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), aged ≥ 60 years, with poor diabetes control. Between December 2018 and June 2019, 310 patients aged ≥ 60 years, with hemoglobin A1C ≥ 10%, followed-up with the diagnosis of T2DM for at least 3 years in the internal medicine outpatient clinics of Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and research hospital were included in the study. The geriatric depression scale (GDS) and fatigue severity scale (FSS) questionnaires were administered. Patients were analyzed according to their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, according to their GDS and FSS scores. The GDS and FSS scores were higher in the female patients than in the male patients, those with diabetes aged ≥ 21 years than those aged < 21 years, those using premixed insulin than those using basal bolus insulin and oral antidiabetic drug for + basal insulin, and those living alone than in those living with their families. The FSS score was higher in patients with vitamin D levels < 20 ng/mL. The factors affecting the GDS score were the FGS and FSS scores in the multivariate analysis. The factors affecting the FSS score were the GDS, diabetes age, hemoglobin level, and vitamin D level in the multivariate analysis. Poorly controlled diabetes affects elderly patients more in terms of their mental and physical health. Therefore, these patients should be considered in terms of psychosocial aspects to increase treatment compliance and effects.

Frailty, sarcopenia and diabetic kidney disease: where do we stand?

The aim of this narrative non-systematic review was to investigate the potential interplay among frailty syndrome, sarcopenia and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Data derived from a limited number of studies underline that DKD is a significant risk factor for frailty. On the other hand, frailty syndrome poses a higher risk for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in subjects with DKD. In addition, frailty seems to affect the cognitive function and social life of DKD individuals, whilst as DKD deteriorates, there is a higher prevalence of sarcopenia which is a fundamental frailty factor. As a result, it is shown that a bidirectional relation is established between these entities, as diabetes mellitus (DM) affects the components of frailty and sarcopenia and vice versa. This vicious cycle is created through multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms, including the anabolic role of insulin, low-grade inflammation, cytokines and endothelial function, prompting further investigation in this area. Specific nutritional and exercise interventions are imperative to be established in order to ameliorate potential adverse outcomes, concerning these entities.

Sarcopenia and Chronic Complications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Sarcopenia, defined as the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength and/or a decrease in physical performance, is classically related to aging. However, chronic disease, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), may accelerate the development of sarcopenia. Previous studies found strong association between T2DM and sarcopenia. Insulin resistance that exists in T2DM is thought to be the key mediator for impaired physical function and mobility which may lead to sarcopenia. T2DM may cause sarcopenia through the mediation of insulin resistance, inflammation, accumulation of advanced glycation end-products, and oxidative stress that may affect muscle mass and strength, protein metabolism, and vascular and mitochondrial dysfunction. On the other hand, loss of muscle in sarcopenia may play a role in the development of T2DM through the decreased production of myokines that play a role in glucose and fat metabolism. This review highlights the findings of existing literature on the relationship between T2DM and sarcopenia which emphasize the pathophysiology, chronic vascular complications, and the course of macrovascular and microvascular complications in T2DM.

Sex Difference in Cutoff and Prevalence of Sarcopenia among 300,090 Urban Korean Population: Association with Metabolic Syndrome

Background and Objectives: The study aimed to establish the threshold values and prevalence of sarcopenia and to investigate the association of sarcopenia with metabolic syndrome in an urban Korean population. Materials and Methods: The study included 300,090 adults who underwent anthropometric analyses by bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Sarcopenia was defined as: (1) class I, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) within −1 to −2 standard deviations (SDs); (2) or class II, <−2 SD of SMI in a young population. Results: Low SMI threshold levels for class I and class II sarcopenia were 39.8 and 36.7% in men, and 35.5 and 32.3% in women. Among all age groups, the prevalence rates of sarcopenia were highest in the age group 80−89 years. Following adjustment for possible confounders including age, sex, height, metabolic and health behavioral factors, adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the risk of metabolic syndrome were 2.43 (2.33−2.54) for class I and 2.69 (2.49−2.91) for class II sarcopenia, compared with the normal reference. Sarcopenia was more strongly associated with metabolic syndrome in women than men (p for interaction < 0.01). The threshold values and prevalence of sarcopenia were demonstrated in a large Korean urban population. Conclusions: This study identified that sarcopenia was associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome, showing itself to be significantly higher in women than men.

Sex differences in frailty of geriatric outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a multicentre cross-sectional study

Frailty and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can occur concurrently and are increasingly prevalent in older populations. There is a marked variability in frailty progression between men and women. This study aimed to investigate sex differences in the prevalence and factors associated with frailty in older outpatients with T2DM. This multicentre cross-sectional study included 638 outpatients (aged ≥ 60 years; median age 71 years [interquartile range, 66-77]; male, 55.5%) and was conducted from January 2019 to July 2020. Frailty was assessed using the Fried frailty phenotype. Factors associated with frailty were assessed using a logistic regression analysis. The overall frailty prevalence was 28.2% (men, 26.8%; women, 29.9%; P = 0.388). In the adjusted model, the factors associated with greater odds of being frail were older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.11; P < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) less than 20 kg/m² (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.16-3.32; P = 0.012). Higher education (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.42-0.98; P = 0.041) and productive work (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03-0.36; P < 0.001) were protective factors against frailty. Frailty was associated with all four factors in women, but only with older age and productive work in men. Our study found that the prevalence of frailty in older outpatients with T2DM was 28.2%, though not significantly different between men and women. While older age and BMI less than 20 kg/m² can increase the odds of frailty, and higher education and productive work can decrease the odds of frailty in women, only age and productive work were associated with frailty in men with T2DM.

Association of sarcopenia with ideal cardiovascular health metrics among US adults: a cross-sectional study of NHANES data from 2011 to 2018

OBJECTIVE

The American Heart Association (AHA) proposed the concept of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality. We attempted to broaden the impact of CVH and further contribute to AHA 2030 goals by identifying the relationship between CVH and non-cardiovascular diseases such as sarcopenia.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey SETTING: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in the USA from 2011 to 2018.

PARTICIPANTS

This study included participants with reliable first 24-hour dietary recall and ≥20 years of age and excluded those who could not diagnose sarcopenia or insufficient data to calculate the CVH scores.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The prevalence of sarcopenia as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

This cohort study involving 9326 adults≥20 years comprised 4733 females (50.0%). The number of intermediate or ideal and poor CVH participants was 5654 and 3672 with mean CVH score of 9.70±0.03 and 5.66±0.04, respectively. After adjusting for related confounding factors, intermediate or ideal CVH was associated with an odds reduction of sarcopenia than poor CVH (adjusted OR (aOR): 0.36, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.50, p<0.001) and the odds of sarcopenia was significantly lower for each incremental increase of 1 in CVH metrics (aOR: 0.75, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.79, p<0.001). Moreover, if the number of ideal CVH metrics was>5, the odds of sarcopenia decreased by up to 84% (aOR: 0.16, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.30).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a relationship between the CVH and the prevalence of sarcopenia in adults. The results of our study can contribute to achieving the 2030 public health goal of achieving CVH for all, which may be supported by efforts to reduce the prevalence of sarcopenia.

Risk factors of frailty and functional disability in community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional analysis of the FREEDOM-LNA cohort study

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome associated with disability and negative health outcome. To determine the factors associated with frailty and functional disability in older participants living in community in France. We included 753 community-dwelling old participants with available frailty data at baseline.

RESULTS

Overall, 31.9% were frail, 58.3% were prefrail, and 9.8% were robust. The SMAF (French acronym for Functional Autonomy Measurement System) score was significantly lower (mean ± standard deviation: -25.8 ± 11.2) in frail participants compared to prefrail (-14.3 ± 9.7) or robust participants (-8.1 ± 7.0); 82% of frail older participants had limitation in at least one ADL and 97.5% in at least one IADL compared to 54.2 and 76.8%, respectively of pre-frail and 29.7 and 47.3% of robust participants. Age, depression, impaired cognition and diabetes were significantly associated with higher odds of frailty. These variables were also strongly associated with functional disability. Female gender, polypharmacy, and smoking were additional variables significantly associated with degraded SMAF and/or ADL/IADL.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that functional disability increased proportionally to frailty, and depression, cognitive decline and diabetes are modifiable risk factors significantly associated with frailty and functional disability.

The Positive Association between Muscle Mass and Bone Status Is Conserved in Men with Diabetes: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study

Bone and muscle are known to be correlated and interact chemically each other. Diabetes affects the health status of these two types of organ. There has been lack of studies of men on this topic. This study aims to investigate the relationship between bone and muscle status in men with and without diabetes. This study enrolled 318 and 88 men with and without diabetes, respectively, between April 2007 and December 2017. The appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) was correlated with femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD), total hip BMD, and the trabecular bone score (TBS) in both groups (p < 0.001−0.008). In analysis of the changes in muscle mass and bone-related parameters over the 3 years, the ASMI was correlated with total hip BMD only in diabetes group (p = 0.016) and the TBS in both groups (p < 0.001−0.046). This study showed that the positive correlation between muscle mass and bone status was largely conserved in diabetic group in men. Moreover, in a long-term perspective, muscle mass might be more correlated with the bone microarchitecture or bone quality than bone density, and the association between muscle mass and total hip BMD could be stronger in the diabetic group.

Combined analysis of whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with thirst and fatigue

BACKGROUND

The principal objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with fatigue (D-T2DM) through exome and transcriptome sequencing.

METHODS

After whole-exome sequencing on peripheral blood of 6 D-T2DM patients, the consensus mutations were screen out and analyzed by a series of bioinformatics analyses. Then, we combined whole-exome sequencing and transcriptome sequencing results to find the important genes that changed at both the DNA and RNA levels.

RESULTS

The results showed that a total of 265,393 mutation sites were found in D-T2DM patients compared with normal individuals, 235 of which were consensus mutations shared with D-T2DM patients. These genes significantly enriched in HIF-1 signaling pathway and sphingolipid signaling pathway. At the RNA level, a total of 375 genes were identified to be differentially expressed. After the DNA-RNA joint analysis, eight genes were screened that changed at both DNA and RNA levels. Among these genes, FUS and LMNA were related to carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism, and mitochondrial function. Subsequently, we predicted the herbs, including Qin Pi and Hei Zhi Ma, that might play a therapeutic role in D-T2DM through the SymMap database.

CONCLUSION

These findings have significant implications for understanding the mechanisms of D-T2DM and provide potential targets for D-T2DM diagnosis and treatment.

Relative protein intake and associations with markers of physical function in those with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To examine the independent associations between relative protein intake (g kg^-1  day ¹ ) and markers of physical function in those with type 2 diabetes, while also comparing with current guidelines for protein intake.

METHODS

This analysis reports data from the ongoing Chronotype of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Effect on Glycaemic Control (CODEC) study. Functional assessments included: Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 60 s sit-to-stand (STS-60), 4-m gait speed, time to rise from a chair (×5) and handgrip strength. Participants also completed a self-reported 4 day diet diary. Regression analyses assessed whether relative protein intake was associated with markers of physical function. Interaction terms assessed whether the associations were modified by sex, age, HbA1c or body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

413 participants were included (mean ± SD:age = 65.0 ± 7.7 years, 33% female, BMI = 30.6 ± 5.1 kg/m² ). The average total protein intake was 0.88 ± 0.31 g kg^-1  day^-1 . 33% of individuals failed to meet the reference nutrient intake for the United Kingdom (≥0.75 g kg^-1  day^-1 ), and 87% for European recommendations (≥1.2 g kg^-1  day^-1 ). After adjustment, each 0.5 g/kg of protein intake was associated with an 18.9% (95% CI: 2.3, 35.5) higher SPPB score, 22.7% (1.1, 44.3) more repetitions in STS-60, 21.1% (4.5, 37.7) faster gait speed and 33.2% (16.9, 49.5) lower chair rise time. There were no associations with handgrip strength or any interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Relative protein intake was positively associated with physical function outcomes, even after consideration of total energy intake. As a number of individuals were below the current guidelines, protein intake may be a modifiable factor of importance for people with type 2 diabetes.

Dietary Fiber Intake Is Related to Skeletal Muscle Mass, Body Fat Mass, and Muscle-to-Fat Ratio Among People With Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between dietary fiber intake and skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, and muscle-to-fat ratio (MFR) among men and women with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 260 men and 200 women with T2D. Percent skeletal muscle mass (%) or percent body fat mass (%) was calculated as (appendicular muscle mass [kg] or body fat mass [kg]/body weight [kg]) × 100. MFR was calculated as appendicular muscle mass divided by body fat mass. Information about dietary fiber intake (g/day) was obtained from a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire.

Results

Dietary fiber intake was correlated with percent body fat mass (r = -0.163, p = 0.021), percent skeletal muscle mass (r = 0.176, p = 0.013), and MFR (r = 0.157, p = 0.026) in women. However, dietary fiber intake was not correlated with percent body fat mass (r = -0.100, p = 0.108), percent skeletal muscle mass (r = 0.055, p = 0.376), and MFR (r = 0.065, p = 0.295) in men. After adjusting for covariates, dietary fiber intake was correlated with percent body fat mass (β = 0.229, p = 0.009), percent skeletal muscle mass (β = 0.364, p < 0.001), and MFR (β = 0.245, p = 0.006) in women. Further, dietary fiber intake was related to percent skeletal muscle mass (β = 0.221, p = 0.008) and tended to be correlated with percent body fat mass (β = 0.148, p = 0.071) in men.

Conclusion

Dietary fiber intake was correlated with skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, and MFR among women with T2D.

Bio-Electrical Impedance Analysis: A Valid Assessment Tool for Diagnosis of Low Appendicular Lean Mass in Older Adults?

Background

The diagnosis of sarcopenia is essential for early treatment of sarcopenia in older adults, for which assessment of appendicular lean mass (ALM) is needed. Multi-frequency bio-electrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA) may be a valid assessment tool to assess ALM in older adults, but the evidences are limited. Therefore, we validated the BIA to diagnose low ALM in older adults.

Methods

ALM was assessed by a standing-posture 8 electrode MF-BIA (Tanita MC-780) in 202 community-dwelling older adults (age ≥ 55 years), and compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (Hologic Inc., Marlborough, MA, United States; DXA). The validity for assessing the absolute values of ALM was evaluated by: (1) bias (mean difference), (2) percentage of accurate predictions (within 5% of DXA values), (3) the mean absolute error (MAE), and (4) limits of agreement (Bland–Altman analysis). The lowest quintile of ALM by DXA was used as proxy for low ALM (< 22.8 kg for men, < 16.1 kg for women). Sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing low ALM by BIA were assessed.

Results

The mean age of the subjects was 72.1 ± 6.4 years, with a BMI of 25.4 ± 3.6 kg/m², and 71% were women. BIA slightly underestimated ALM compared to DXA with a mean bias of −0.6 ± 1.2 kg. The percentage of accurate predictions was 54% with a MAE of 1.1 kg, and limits of agreement were −3.0 to + 1.8 kg. The sensitivity for ALM was 80%, indicating that 80% of subjects who were diagnosed as low ALM according to DXA were also diagnosed low ALM by BIA. The specificity was 90%, indicating that 90% of subjects who were diagnosed as normal ALM by DXA were also diagnosed as normal ALM by the BIA.

Conclusion

This comparison showed a poor validity of MF-BIA to assess the absolute values of ALM, but a reasonable sensitivity and specificity to recognize the community-dwelling older adults with the lowest muscle mass.

Amino acid profile of skeletal muscle loss in type 2 diabetes: Results from a 7-year longitudinal study in asians

AIMS

Little is known about pathophysiology of sarcopenia in diabetes. We aimed to study amino acid profile associated with skeletal muscle mass loss longitudinally in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

This is a prospective study of 1140 patients aged 56.6 ± 10.6 years from the SMART2D cohort. Skeletal muscle mass was measured using bio-impedance analysis at baseline and follow-up. Amino acids were measured by mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Over a period of up to 7.9 years, 43.9% experienced skeletal muscle mass loss. Lower baseline valine, leucine and isoleucine levels were associated with decreased skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) with corresponding coefficient 0.251(95 %CI 0.009 to 0.493), 0.298(95 %CI 0.051 to 0.544)) and 0.366(95 %CI 0.131 to 0.600). Higher baseline valine, leucine, isoleucine, alanine and tryptophan levels were associated with reduced odds of muscle mass loss with corresponding odds ratio (OR)0.797 (95 %CI 0.690 to 0.921), 0.825 (95 %CI 0.713 to 0.955), 0.826 (95 %CI 0.718-0.950), 0.847 (95 %CI 0.739-0.969) and 0.835 (95 %CI 0.720-0.979).

CONCLUSION

The branched-chain amino acids valine, leucine and isoleucine were positively associated with change in SMI and reduced odds of muscle mass loss longitudinally. Further studies should be conducted to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the relationship between these amino acids and muscle mass loss in T2DM.

Propensity Score Matching to Determine the Impact of Metformin on All-Cause Mortality in Older Veterans with Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether metformin is associated with reduced all-cause mortality in older adults with diabetes mellitus as compared with insulin or sulfonylureas, and to evaluate whether the metformin cumulative exposure followed a dose-response relation.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching in veterans 65 years old and older with diabetes mellitus. Patients who had new prescriptions for metformin were matched for demographic and clinical factors with patients receiving new prescriptions for insulin or sulfonylureas using propensity score matching. All-cause mortality risks were compared between metformin and insulin/sulfonylureas using multivariate Cox regression models. A similar approach was used for tertiles of cumulative metformin doses.

RESULTS

A sample of 174 veterans taking metformin was matched with 174 who took insulin/sulfonylureas. Most patients were men (97.4%), White (80.45%), and their mean ± standard deviation age was 69.15 ± 7.65 years. Metformin exposure was associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.39-0.84, P = 0.005). The upper tertile of cumulative metformin exposure was associated with lower all-cause mortality in the fully adjusted model (hazard ratio 0.28, 95% confidence interval 0.10-0.77, P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

This propensity matching study shows that metformin exposure is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality. Higher metformin cumulative exposure seems to reduce the risk of all-cause mortality in older veterans with diabetes mellitus.

Beyond Sarcopenia: older adults with type II diabetes mellitus tend to experience an elevated risk of poor dynamic balance-a case-control study

Background

People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) tend to be vulnerable to geriatric syndromes such as sarcopenia and frailty. Reduced physical activity also accompanies sarcopenia and frailty, which is generally typical of patients with T2DM. However, a comprehensive assessment of physical fitness in patients with T2DM has seldom been carried out and verified. This study is thus an attempt to determine the associations among sarcopenia, frailty, and the SFT in diabetic patients and non-diabetic controls to provide a more comprehensive understanding of such associations in future evaluations of T2DM in older individuals.

Methods

Sarcopenia, frailty, and the senior fitness test (SFT) were compared between 78 older men with T2DM (66.5 ± 9.0 years) and 48 age-matched normoglycemic controls (65.8 ± 5.3 years) in this case–control study. The skeletal muscle index (SMI), grip strength, and 4-m walk test were employed to assess for sarcopenia. Frailty was evaluated using the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures index (SOF). The SFT comprises five components, including body composition, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and aerobic endurance.

Results

The risk level of sarcopenia was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the T2DM group as compared to the control group. No significant difference between-group differences were found in SMI and grip strength in the T2DM and control groups. However, the T2DM group showed a significant decrease in gait speed (p < 0.01) in comparison with the control group, as well as significant increases in frailty (p < 0.01) and depression (p < 0.05). With respect to the SFT, obvious elevation in BMI, significant declines in extremity muscle strength (elbow extensor, knee flexor, hip abductor, hip flexor, sit to stand), static/dynamic balance (single leg stand: p < 0.05; up-and-go: p < 0.01) and aerobic endurance (2-min step: p < 0.01; 6-min walk: p < 0.01) were found in the T2DM group. Furthermore, the SOF (OR = 2.638, 95% CI = 1.333–5.221), BMI (OR = 1.193, 95% CI = 1.041–1.368) and up-and-go (OR = 2.089, 95% CI = 1.400–3.117) were found to be positively and significantly associated with T2DM.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicated the importance of countering frailty and maintaining physical fitness, especially dynamic balance, during the early physical deterioration taking place in diabetic patients.

Focus on Nutritional Aspects of Sarcopenia in Diabetes: Current Evidence and Remarks for Future Research

Sarcopenia has been defined as a progressive and generalized loss of muscle mass that can be observed after the age of 40 years, with a rate of deterioration of about 8% every ten years up to 70 years, and 15-25% thereafter [...].

Association between Preexisting Sarcopenia and Stroke in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVES

This propensity score-matched population-based cohort study compared stroke risk between patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without preexisting sarcopenia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database for the period from January 2008 to December 2019. We recruited patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and categorized them into two groups at a ratio of 1:1 on the basis of diagnosed sarcopenia. The matching variables were age, sex, income level, urbanization level, diabetes severity (adapted Diabetes Complications Severity Index [aDCSI Scores]), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), other comorbidities associated with stroke, smoking status, medication use, and types of antidiabetic medications. The matching process yielded a final cohort of 104,120 patients (52,060 and 52,060 in the sarcopenia and nonsarcopenia groups, respectively) who were eligible for inclusion in subsequent analyses.

RESULTS

In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR; 95% CI) of stroke for the sarcopenia diabetes group compared with the control group was 1.13 (1.10, 1.16; P < 0.001), after controlling for age, sex, CCI, and aDCSI scores. The incidence rates of stroke for the sarcopenia and nonsarcopenia groups were 295.98 and 260.68 per 10,000 person-years, respectively. The significant IRR (95% CI) of stroke was 1.14 (1.09, 1.17) for the sarcopenia diabetes group compared with the nonsarcopenic diabetes group.

CONCLUSION

Preexisting sarcopenia increased the risk of stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A Behavioral Lifestyle Intervention to Improve Frailty in Overweight or Obese Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

Older adults with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) are more likely to be frail, which increases the risk for disability and mortality.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the feasibility of a behavioral lifestyle intervention, enhanced with mobile health technology for self-monitoring of diet and activity, to improve frailty in overweight/obese older adults (≥65 years) diagnosed with T2D.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Single arm, 6-month study of a behavioral lifestyle intervention in 20 overweight/obese (BMI>25) older adults (≥ 65 years) with self-reported T2D diagnosis who owned a smartphone. A Fitbit tracker was provided to all participants for self-monitoring of diet and physical activity. Our primary outcome of feasibility was measured by session attendance, adherence to Fitbit usage to self-monitor diet and physical activity, and study retention. Secondary outcomes included the preliminary efficacy of the intervention on frailty, physical function, quality of life, and T2D-related outcomes.

RESULTS

Eighteen participants completed the study. The mean age was 71.5 (SD ± 5.3) years, 56% were female, and half were Hispanic. At baseline, 13 (72%) were pre-frail, 4 (22%) were frail, and 1 (6%) were non-frail. At follow-up, frailty scores improved significantly from 1.61 ± 1.15 to 0.94 ± 0.94 (p=0.01) and bodyweight improved from 205.66 ± 45.52 lbs. to 198.33 ± 43.6 lbs. (p=<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence for the feasibility of a behavioral lifestyle intervention in overweight/obese older adults with T2D and preliminary results support its potential efficacy in improving frailty score.

Relative low muscle mass and muscle strength is associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes

This cross-sectional study investigated the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with sarcopenia defined by absolute low muscle mass (aLMM) and absolute low muscle strength (aLMS), or sarcopenia defined by relative low muscle mass (rLMM) and relative low muscle strength (rLMS). The cut-off values for men and women were as follows: aLMM, appendicular muscle mass in kg/height‍² was <7.0 kg/m‍² and <5.7 kg/m‍²; rLMM, appendicular muscle mass/body weight ×100 was <28.64% and <24.12%; aLMS, handgrip strength was <28 kg and <18 kg; and rLMS, handgrip strength/body weight ×100 was 51.26% and 35.38%. Among 207 men and 164 women, 41.5% men and 57.3% women had MetS, 14.0% men and 6.1% women had sarcopenia as defined by aLMM and aLMS, and 14.0% men and 22.0% women had sarcopenia defined by rLMM and rLMS. Compared with non-sarcopenia, adjusted OR of sarcopenia defined by aLMM and aLMS for the prevalence of MetS was 0.79 (95% CI 0.38–1.67), whereas that of sarcopenia defined by rLMM and rLMS for the prevalence of MetS was 20.6 (95% CI 7.81–54.3). Sarcopenia defined by rLMM and rLMS was associated with the risk of prevalence of MetS, whereas sarcopenia defined by aLMM and aLMS was not.

Predictors of Transition to Frailty in Middle-Aged and Older People With HIV: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

People with HIV (PWH) have increased frailty risk at younger ages compared with the general population. Multimorbidity is associated with frailty, yet effects of specific comorbidities on transition to frailty in PWH are unknown.

SETTING

Prospective study of 219 PWH age 45 years or older in the National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium.

METHODS

Frailty status was categorized using Fried frailty phenotype criteria. Comorbidities [bone disease, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, liver disease, renal disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, obesity, cancers, neuropsychiatric conditions] were assessed from longitudinal data. Associations between baseline comorbidities and transition to frailty within 30 months were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models. Grip strength was assessed using mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

At baseline, the median age was 61 years, 73% were male 98% were on antiretroviral therapy, 29% had ≥3 comorbidities, 27% were robust, and 73% were pre-frail. Cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and COPD were independent predictors of transition to frailty within 30 months in models adjusted for age, sex, and multimorbidity (≥3 additional comorbidities) [hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) 2.52 (1.29 to 4.93), 2.31 (1.12 to 4.76), and 1.82 (0.95 to 3.48), respectively]. Furthermore, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, COPD, or liver disease co-occurring with multimorbidity was associated with substantially increased frailty hazards compared with multimorbidity alone (hazard ratios 4.75-7.46). Cerebrovascular disease was associated with decreased baseline grip strength (P = 0.0001), whereas multimorbidity, diabetes, and COPD were associated with declining grip strength (P < 0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

In older PWH, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, COPD, or liver disease co-occurring with multimorbidity is associated with substantially increased risk of becoming frail within 30 months. Interventions targeting these comorbidities may ameliorate frailty and age-related functional decline in PWH.

Diabetes increases the risk of bone fractures in patients on kidney replacement therapy: A Danish national cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patients treated with dialysis or living with a kidney transplant (kidney replacement therapy, KRT) have an increased risk of bone fracture. Patients with diabetes also have an increased risk of fracture. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of diabetes in patients on KRT aggravates the risk of fracture.

METHODS

Nationwide Danish registries were used in this retrospective cohort study. All prevalent adult patients on hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) on 1st of January 2000 and all incident patients starting KRT (HD, PD, kidney transplanted (KTX)) until 31st of December 2011 were included in the KRT group. Adult persons not on KRT and without diabetes on 1st of January 2000 were used as a reference group. Patients were separated in groups with and without (+/-) diabetes. They were followed until first fracture, emigration, death, or end-of-study on 31st of December 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 4,074,085 not on KRT +/- diabetes and 9053 patients on KRT +/- diabetes were included. Comparing the different groups with diabetes to the corresponding group without diabetes, the unadjusted HR (95% CI) for any first fracture were 1.2 (1.0-1.3) in the HD population, 1.4 (1.1-1.7) in the PD population, and 1.7 (1.4-2.2) in the KTX population. Further adjustments for age, sex, prior fractures, comorbidity and medication did not change these results significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes increases the risk of fracture in patients on KRT.