Screening Risk of Sarcopenic Obesity Using SARC-F and Handgrip Strength in Outpatients with Diabetes.

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenic obesity (SO), defined as the coexistence of low muscle mass and function and excessive fat mass, is increasingly recognized as a health concern in older individuals with diabetes. Despite its clinical importance, SO often remains undiagnosed in outpatient settings due to complex diagnostic requirements.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the risk of SO using simple screening tools, namely the SARC-F questionnaire and handgrip strength (HGS), and to identify associated clinical, functional, and metabolic factors in diabetic patients aged 50 and older.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with 276 diabetic outpatients. Risk of SO was defined based on a body mass index of 30 kg/m² or more, combined with either a SARC-F score of 4 or above or low HGS values (below 35 kg for men and 20 kg for women). Data on comorbidities, functionality, falls, depression, and metabolic control were collected.

RESULTS

The prevalence of SO risk was 16.2% with HGS and 8.7% with SARC-F. Falls, depressive symptoms, and reduced quality of life were associated with SARC-F-based SO, while hypertension, elevated HbA1c, and lower quality of life were linked to HGS-based SO.

CONCLUSION

Simple screening methods can help identify SO risk in diabetic outpatients and support timely clinical decision-making.