Association of Possible Sarcopenia or Sarcopenia with Body Composition, Nutritional Intakes, Serum Vitamin D Levels, and Physical Activity among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Taiwan

This study estimates the association between sarcopenia and blood biochemical parameters, nutritional intake, anthropometric measurements, physical performance, and physical activity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Participants were recruited from a primary care clinic in Kaohsiung City. According to the diagnosis criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) in 2019, 110 patients with T2DM (aged 50–80 years) were divided into three groups: non-sarcopenia (n = 38), possible sarcopenia (n = 31), and sarcopenia (n = 41). Blood samples were collected, and nutritional intake was evaluated by a registered dietitian. A food frequency questionnaire and a Godin leisure-time exercise questionnaire were used to assess their daily vitamin D intake and physical activity. There were significant differences in age, serum vitamin D levels, nutritional intake, anthropometric measurements, and physical performance between the three groups. In elderly patients with T2DM, reduced serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and daily energy intake were significantly associated with possible sarcopenia. Age, lower BMI, reduced serum 25(OH)D, and reduced dietary protein and vitamin D intake were significantly associated with sarcopenia. These findings may serve as the basis for intervention trials to reduce the prevalence of sarcopenia.