What Is Sarcopenia & What Can You Do To Prevent It

Sarcopenia may not be as well-known as diabetes complications such as kidney disease or retinopathy, but it does pose a threat to diabetes patients as they grow older. The condition is not exclusive to diabetes patients and involves involuntary skeletal and musclemiroir terzo callaway reva femme nfl jersey sales adidas yeezy 700 v3 dlm382 meia com pompom nike air max aliexpress basket léopard femme astro a50 ps4 and pc billige matratzen bose quietcomfort 35 usa price tp link remote control welche kaffeemaschine für 1 person callaway reva femme meia com pompom loss, leading to reduced mass and strength. This process begins as we touch our 40s and it can progress over the next 4 decades to result in half of muscle and skeletal mass being lost. The consequences of sarcopenia are far-reaching as it doesn’t just cause a severe decline in strength and functional performance, but also increases the risk of other complications, insulin resistance, falls, and death.

Diabetes & Sarcopenia

Although sarcopenia can be a part of the aging process in non-diabetic adults, it poses a greater risk to individuals with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes complications are usually connected to poorly controlled blood sugar or chronic high blood sugar. The build-up of advanced glycation end-products or AGEs from the combination of protein or fat with excess glucose, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress can together affect skeletal structure. This is why diabetes is associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia. However, the relationship goes both ways.

As sarcopenia causes significant loss of muscle mass, which is also important as metabolically active tissue, it can have a huge impact on diabetes management and risk. Studies show that it can contribute to the onset or progression of diabetes as muscle loss alters glucose disposal and can also increase localized inflammation. Despite all of these risks, the condition is not inevitable and lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference not just in preventing or delaying sarcopenia, but also in maintaining health when diabetes and sarcopenia coexist.

Prevention And Treatment Of Sarcopenia In Diabetes Patients

Stay Physically Active

One of the risk factors for sarcopenia is reduced physical activity as we age. This contributes to the loss of muscle mass and strength, making regular exercise to build and preserve muscle mass an important strategy for the prevention of sarcopenia. Exercise serves as both a preventive measure and therapy for the condition. 

For exercise to yield any benefits as a sarcopenia treatment, it must be consistent, lasting for a period of at least 3 months or more. Resistance or strength training exercises are particularly effective at promoting muscle function. Exercise should also be balanced, with a combination of resistance or strength training and aerobic activities such as walking or swimming. 

Patients who already suffer from reduced mobility and muscle function because of sarcopenia will also need physiotherapy.

Increase Protein Intake

Protein requirements increase with advanced age as the nutrient is vital for maintenance of skeletal muscle. In fact, inadequate protein intake is a risk factor for sarcopenia. Adults over the age of 60 should consume at least 1.2 to 1.6g of protein a day. Protein intake can be increased with supplementation as well as with dietary sources of protein that fit into a diabetes friendly diet, such as fish, lean meats, and beans. 

In addition to protein, research also links decreased physical function and poor glycaemic control with vitamin D deficiencies, with suggestions that supplementation could boost muscle strength. 

Adhere Strictly To Diabetes Medication

It is important to comply with all medication instructions in the management of diabetes as poor compliance is linked to poor blood sugar control, which increases the risk of complications including sarcopenia. In addition, some diabetes medications may offer direct benefits for skeletal muscle maintenance and growth, but this is still being investigated. 

Before trying any supplements, whether nutritional or otherwise, make sure to speak to your diabetes doctor. Even natural supplements and nutritional supplements can interfere with diabetes management, so your doctor may need to make modifications to your treatment plan. 

References:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4066461/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6630094/
• https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-016-0349-4
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26287239/
• https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/99/11/4336/2836764?login=false
• http://www.eurekaselect.com/article/62415