Favorable Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Changes in Older Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Receiving GLP-1 Receptor Agonist and Basal Insulin Co-Therapy.

Background and aims: Maintaining appendicular skeletal muscle mass is important for maintaining the quality of life of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. The possibility of GLP-1 receptor agonists for maintaining appendicular skeletal muscle mass has previously been reported. We investigated changes in appendicular skeletal muscle mass, measured by body impedance analysis, in elderly patients who were hospitalized for diabetes self-management education.

Methods: The study design was a retrospective longitudinal analysis of the changes in appendicular skeletal muscle mass in hospitalized patients over the age of 70 years. The study subjects consisted of consequential patients who received GLP-1 receptor agonist and basal insulin co-therapy or received basal insulin therapy. Body impedance analysis was performed on the day after admission and on the ninth day of admission. All patients received standard diet therapy and standard group exercise therapy 3 times per week.

Results: The study subjects consisted of 10 patients who received GLP-1 receptor agonist and basal insulin co-therapy (co-therapy group) and 10 patients who received basal insulin (insulin group). The mean change in appendicular skeletal muscle mass was 0.78 ± 0.7 kg in co-therapy group and -0.09 ± 0.8 kg in the insulin group.

Conclusions: This retrospective observational study suggests the possibility of favorable effects of GLP-1 receptor agonist and basal insulin co-therapy for maintaining appendicular skeletal muscle mass during hospitalization for diabetes self-management education.