Comparisons of muscle thicknesses, echo intensities, and motor functions between community-dwelling older Japanese adults with and without diabetes.

BACKGROUND

Individuals with diabetes tend to show decreased muscle volume and motor function compared to those without diabetes. Ultrasound is a non-invasive and potentially safe method to assess muscle function in patients with diabetes; however, the characteristics of muscle thickness and quality, measured by ultrasound, in individuals with diabetes are unclear.

METHODS

This study included 825 community-dwelling older individuals who underwent the Otassha Study comprehensive health survey. We measured the muscle thicknesses and echo intensities of rectus femoris and vastus intermedius; motor function, assessed using knee extension strength; one-leg standing balance; normal walk; fastest walk; timed up-and-go test; and grip strength. Participants were stratified by sex and categorized into those with and without diabetes. We examined inter-group differences in measured values.

RESULTS

Only knee extension strength showed significantly lower values in men with diabetes than in those without diabetes. Echo intensities and motor function significantly differed between women with and without diabetes. In adjusted multiple comparisons p values, echo intensities and grip strength significantly differed only in women with diabetes, unlike men with diabetes. Echo intensity of the rectus femoris was significantly higher in women with diabetes than in those without diabetes after adjusting for confounders, but similar to that in men.

CONCLUSION

We observed the deterioration of knee extension strength in men and women with diabetes compared to that in those without diabetes; however, the effects on muscle quality were inconsistent between the sexes. Our study suggested recommending exercise programs, especially for older women with diabetes.