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Hyperglycemia predicts persistently lower muscle strength with aging
Rita Rastogi Kalyani1, E Jeffrey Metter2, Josephine Egan2
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD rrastogi@jhmi.edu.
Diabetes Care
|November 14, 2014
Summary
High blood sugar is linked to reduced muscle strength and quality in aging individuals. Peripheral neuropathy may play a role, suggesting improved glycemic control could preserve muscle function.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Individuals with diabetes experience accelerated muscle loss compared to non-diabetics.
- The direct impact of hyperglycemia on muscle function decline remains under-explored.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing interventions against muscle wasting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and muscle function in aging adults.
- To determine if hyperglycemia per se contributes to declines in muscle strength and quality.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 984 participants from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (2003-2011).
- Measurements included HbA1c, knee extensor strength, and lean body mass (DEXA) with follow-up up to 7.5 years.
- Mixed-effects regression models examined muscle outcomes in relation to HbA1c quartiles.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower muscle strength and quality were observed across increasing HbA1c quartiles (P < 0.001).
- Higher HbA1c quartiles were associated with lower muscle strength, even after adjusting for physical activity.
- The association between hyperglycemia and muscle strength was borderline significant after adjusting for peripheral neuropathy.
Conclusions:
- Hyperglycemia is associated with persistently lower muscle strength during aging.
- Peripheral neuropathy may partially mediate the negative effects of hyperglycemia on muscle strength.
- Further research is warranted to ascertain if enhanced glycemic control can preserve muscle function in aging populations.
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