Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, cilt.37, sa.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Background and aim: An association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) has been increasingly recognized. Sarcopenia is also common among older adults with T2DM, contributing to poor functional outcomes and increased frailty. Recent findings indicate a potential link between PEI and sarcopenia. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between PEI and sarcopenia in older adults patients with T2DM, independent of other contributing factors. Methods: A total of 120 patients aged ≥ 65 years with T2DM were enrolled in the study. Demographic characteristics, diabetes-related clinical data, and malnutrition risk were assessed. Muscle strength, muscle mass, physical performance, and fecal elastase-1 levels were measured. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the criteria defined by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2). Results: PEI was present in 22.5% of patients, including 10% with severe and 12.5% with mild-to-moderate insufficiency Low muscle mass was observed in 15% of participants, while confirmed sarcopenia was identified in 10%. Patients with reduced hand grip strength exhibited significantly lower Mini Nutritional Assessment – Short Form (MNA-SF) scores and serum vitamin D levels; however, in male patients, only MNA-SF was significantly lower. The prevalence of PEI was significantly higher in males with probable sarcopenia compared to those without (34.8% vs. 10%, p = 0.05). In multivariate analysis among men, obesity showed a borderline significant association with probable sarcopenia, whereas PEI demonstrated a nonsignificant trend toward association. Discussion and conclusion: PEI may contribute to sarcopenia in older adults males with T2DM and should be considered in the clinical evaluation of sarcopenic patients.