Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy as a Risk Factor for Sarcopenia

BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes, and its prevalence increases with age. A previous study demonstrated the association between DPN and muscle dysfunction; however, there are limited data on the association between DPN and sarcopenia. METHODS: We enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes and measured hand grip strength (HGS), lean body mass using a bio-impedance analysis, and gait speed using a 4-m walking test. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the criteria from the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. We also performed various examinations of neuropathy, including both small- and large-fiber neuropathy. RESULTS: Among 170 participants (mean age, 61.5±6.6 years), 24 (14.1%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. The Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument Questionnaire (MNSI-Q) scores were higher in patients with sarcopenia than in those without sarcopenia (2.7±1.3 vs. 2.4±1.3; p=0.008). However, other neuropathy examination results were not significantly associated with sarcopenia. The MNSI-Q score was negatively associated with HGS, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.367 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.122–1.667) in predicting the presence of sarcopenia. After adjusting for sex, body mass index, and diabetes duration, the MNSI-Q score was associated with the presence of sarcopenia (adjusted OR=1.310; 95% CI, 1.041–1.647). CONCLUSION: In this population with type 2 diabetes, patients with sarcopenia had higher neuropathy questionnaire scores than those without sarcopenia. Therefore, active screening for sarcopenia should be performed in subjects with DPN.