Analysis of muscle mass reducing and energy intake in elderly type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Objective To investigate the relationship between dietary intake and body composition in elderly type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods Retrospectively analyzing the differences of body composition between age (older group: ≥60 years and younger group: <60 years), and further analyzing the differences between genders and overweight or not in older group. The related dietary factors of physical makeup in the elderly patients were investigated with multiple linear regression analysis, included the intake of energy and macronutrients. Results Compared with younger group, older group had lower body mass index, grip strength, and muscle mass, and hemoglobin, albumin, fasting blood glucose levels (t=-3.309 to -1.983, all P 0.05). In elderly group, female had higher percentage of body fat, and lower grip strength, muscle mass (t=-3.911, -2.207, -2.825, 13.921, all P<0.05). However, the adjusted energy intake by body weight was lower in non-overweight patients in older group (t=3.239, P<0.05). The detection rates of sarcopenia and muscle mass reducing were 6.3% and 34.0% in older group, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that insufficient intake of energy (B=-1.4000, P=0.045, 95%CI:-2.770 to -0.029), protein (B=-0.0095, P=0.013, 95%CI:-0.168 to -0.021), and excessive visceral fat accumulation (B=0.019,P=0.007, 95%CI: 0.006 to 0.033) were the independent risk factors of muscle mass reducing in elderly T2DM patients. Conclusions The decrease of muscle mass in elderly diabetic patients relates to insufficient intake of energy and protein, and excessive visceral fat accumulation. Individual nutrition evaluation and support is necessary especially in elderly diabetic patients. Key words: Diabetes mellitus; Elderly; Diet; Muscle mass