Diabetes Metab J.
2026 Jul;50(4):808-815. 10.4093/dmj.2025.0077.
The Concurrent Challenges of Sarcopenia and Frailty: A 5-Year Mortality Risk Evaluation in Geriatric Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Affiliations
-
- 1Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Kayseri City Hospital, Kayseri, Türkiye
- 2Department of Nutrition and Dietetic, Faculty of Health Science, Agri Ibrahim Cecen University, Agri, Türkiye
- 3Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erciyes School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye
- 4Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Erciyes School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye
- KMID: 2582494
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2025.0077
Abstract
- Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is common among older adults and may increase the risk of sarcopenia and frailty. This study evaluated the impact of sarcopenia and frailty on 5-year mortality in older adults with T2DM.
Methods
We assessed a cohort study of 447 adults with T2DM who were more than 60 years old. Following the guidelines set by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2), we used bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure muscle mass and a handgrip dynamometer to measure muscle strength. We assessed frailty using the Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, and Loss of Weight (FRAIL) Scale. We categorised the patients into four groups: isolated sarcopenia, isolated frailty, both conditions (sarcopenia and frailty), or neither.
Results
The median age of the patients was 69 years, and 71.6% were female. Isolated sarcopenia was present in 11.0% of patients, isolated frailty in 22.4%, and both sarcopenia and frailty in 9.8%. After adjustment for age, sex, comorbidities, activities of daily living, glycemic control, and nutritional status, sarcopenia and frailty were significantly associated with an increased risk of 5-year mortality. Isolated frailty also significantly predicted mortality (hazard ratio, 2.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.34 to 5.03; P=0.005).
Conclusion
Sarcopenia and frailty were significant predictors of increased mortality risk in older adults with T2DM. Coexisting sarcopenia and frailty posed the highest risk. Early identification and targeted interventions for these conditions in older patients with T2DM are crucial to improving outcomes.
