Association between sarcopenia and health-related quality of life among older diabetic patients

Tóm tắt

Background: Sarcopenia is a common geriatric syndrome characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. It frequently coexists with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in older adults and may contribute to poor health outcomes, including reduced quality of life. Despite its growing clinical relevance, limited data are available on the burden of sarcopenia and its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among older patients with T2DM in Vietnam. Objective: To examine the association between sarcopenia and HRQoL among older adults with T2DM and identify key factors contributing to reduced HRQoL in this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 402 patients aged ≥ 60 years with T2DM at the National Geriatric Hospital in Hanoi. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Group comparisons were performed using t-tests and chi-square tests. Multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate associations between sarcopenia and HRQoL while adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Among 402 older diabetic patients, the mean age was 73.9± 7.1 years old and 63.9% was female. The proportion of sarcopenic patients present in 33.8% of participants. Compared with non-sarcopenic individuals, those with sarcopenia had significantly lower EQ-5D-5L index scores (0.76 ± 0.16 vs. 0.81 ± 0.17, p < 0.01) and reported a higher prevalence of problems in the mobility, self-care, and usual activities domains. In multivariate analysis, five independent factors were significantly associated with reduced HRQoL: low handgrip strength, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability, malnutrition, urinary incontinence, and high risk of fall. Conclusion: Sarcopenia is significantly associated with impaired HRQoL in older diabetic patients. Clinical attention to muscle strength, fall risk, nutritional status, urinary incontinence, and functional independence may help improve quality of life in this vulnerable group. Routine screening and multidisciplinary management are recommended.