Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
The impact of malnutrition and probable sarcopenia on mortality in older patients with type 2 diabetes
Abdusselam Sekerci1, Ozge Pasin2, Lee Smith3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkiye.
Aim:
Malnutrition and sarcopenia are prevalent yet underdiagnosed in older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study investigates their independent and combined effects on all-cause mortality in an outpatient cohort.
Method:
A total of 823 older patients with T2DM who underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment were included in this retrospective study. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment, and probable sarcopenia was defined according to EWGSOP2 criteria. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models.
Results:
The mean age was 81.4 ± 7.3 years, and 71% were female. The prevalence of probable sarcopenia, risk of malnutrition and malnutrition was 39.6%, 43.4% and 16.7%, respectively. Probable sarcopenia was associated with shorter survival (50.1 vs 63.6 months, p < 0.001). Risk of malnutrition and malnutrition (16.7%) were also linked to reduced survival (57.9 and 45.7 vs 63.1 months, p < 0.001). Patients with both conditions had the poorest outcomes (42.9 months). Multivariate analysis identified probable sarcopenia (HR 2.33; 95% CI 1.77-3.06), malnutrition (HR 2.71; 95% CI 1.89-3.89), male sex, advanced age, and depression as independent mortality predictors.
Conclusion:
Probable sarcopenia and malnutrition, independently and in combination, significantly increase mortality risk in older adults with T2DM. These findings support the need for routine nutritional and muscle function screening in geriatric diabetes care to improve risk stratification and outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
