Sarcopenia in independent oldest-old individuals treated for diabetes, with or without metformin: a case-control study.

Abstract

Background: Sarcopenia is a common condition in the elderly, especially in diabetics (DM). Metformin (MTF), known to reduce glucose levels, can also be a therapeutic intervention in age-related diseases, although it may contribute to muscle loss.

Objectives: To compare the prevalence of sarcopenia among elderly people treated for DM, with or without MTF, and non-diabetic patients (NDM) and evaluate whether there is an association between the use of MTF and the development of sarcopenia.

Methods: 194 independent elderly people over 80 years old were analyzed. Sarcopenia was defined by handgrip (HG), calf circumference (CC), and gait speed (GS). Non-parametric statistical analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used.

Results: The prevalence of DM was 24.7%, of which 56.25% used MTF. The median fasting blood glucose in the NDM and DM groups was 95 and 104 mg/dL. The median glycated hemoglobin in the NDM and DM groups was 5.7% and 6.4%. There was no statistical difference between the DM and NDM groups when comparing clinical characteristics, functionality, weight, physical tests, and mortality. The prevalence of sarcopenia was similar between NDM and DM (16.55% and 14.63%), with few cases of severe sarcopenia in both groups, without statistical differences. We did not find differences in the same variables when we analyzed NDM and DM using or not MTF. Survival curves showed no significant differences between patients with and without sarcopenia/severe sarcopenia.

Conclusions: Long-lived people with well-controlled DM did not show significant differences concerning those without DM for the outcome of sarcopenia or death.