Sarcopenia and diabetes in older adults in the decade of healthy aging: A comprehensive review.

The incidence and prevalence of metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes mellitus increases with age due to increase in insulin resistance and changes in body composition. With advancements in the management of diabetes and its complications, life expectancy of diabetic patients has increased, leading to an increase in number of older people. Sarcopenia refers to progressive and generalized loss of muscle mass with reduced muscle performance and strength, integral to the aging process. Sarcopenia is both a risk factor for and a complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Sarcopenia can be assessed by measuring muscle mass, strength, and muscle function. The clinical relevance of sarcopenia is more among aging population as it is associated with reduced mobility, increased incidence of falls and fractures, dependence, functional disability, cognitive impairment, depression, and mortality. It is of paramount importance to screen the older diabetic population for the presence of sarcopenia and implement appropriate therapeutical strategies focusing on adequate nutrition intake and regular physical activity.