Bioelectrical phase angle predicts sarcopenia in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Sarcopenia is common among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is associated with increased risks of functional decline and adverse health outcomes. Phase angle (PhA), derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis, has emerged as a potential marker of muscle health. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of PhA for detecting sarcopenia in older adults with T2DM and to determine sex-specific cutoff values for sarcopenia screening. A total of 390 patients aged ≥60 yr with T2DM were included. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. Lower PhA values were significantly associated with sarcopenia, and PhA showed good discriminatory performance for detecting sarcopenia. Sex-specific cutoff values improved the diagnostic accuracy of PhA for sarcopenia screening. These findings suggest that PhA may serve as a practical and noninvasive tool for identifying sarcopenia in older adults with T2DM. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm its prognostic value.