Researchers studied 120 people who had type 2 diabetes for more than 10 years to see how it affects their muscles and bones. They found that 30% had sarcopenia (muscle loss) and over 75% had weak bones. This study shows that people with long-term diabetes need regular check-ups for muscle and bone health. The good news is that keeping blood sugar levels well-controlled may help prevent these problems from getting worse.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How long-term type 2 diabetes affects muscle mass and bone strength in people who have had diabetes for over 10 years
  • Who participated: 120 adults with an average age of 63 who had type 2 diabetes for more than 10 years at a hospital in India
  • Key finding: 30% of participants had significant muscle loss, and over 75% had weak bones or bone loss
  • What it means for you: If you’ve had diabetes for many years, you should get regular muscle and bone health screenings and focus on good blood sugar control

The Research Details

This was an observational study, which means researchers looked at a group of people at one point in time to see what health conditions they had. The researchers collected information about each person’s medical history, measured their height and weight, and used a special X-ray machine called DEXA to measure both muscle mass and bone density. DEXA scans are considered the gold standard for measuring these things because they’re very accurate and can tell the difference between muscle, fat, and bone.

This type of study is important because it gives us a snapshot of what’s happening to people with long-term diabetes in real life, not in a controlled experiment. It helps doctors understand what to expect and what to screen for in their patients.

The study used reliable measurement tools and included a reasonable number of participants. However, it only looked at people at one hospital in one area, so the results might not apply to everyone with diabetes everywhere.

What the Results Show

The study found that muscle loss (sarcopenia) was surprisingly common, affecting 3 out of every 10 people with long-term diabetes. This is concerning because muscle loss can lead to weakness, falls, and difficulty doing daily activities. Even more striking was that over three-quarters of participants had bone problems - nearly half had osteopenia (mild bone loss) and about 28% had osteoporosis (severe bone loss). The average participant was in their early 60s and had a normal weight, suggesting these problems aren’t just related to being overweight or very old.

Most participants had diabetes for 10-20 years, with the majority falling in the 10-15 year range. The researchers also looked at other factors like blood pressure, use of medications, and history of fractures, though specific results for these weren’t detailed in the abstract.

This study confirms what other research has suggested - that diabetes doesn’t just affect blood sugar, but can also harm muscles and bones over time. The 30% rate of muscle loss is significant and aligns with growing evidence that diabetes accelerates the normal age-related decline in muscle mass.

This study only looked at people at one point in time, so we can’t be sure that diabetes caused these problems or if they developed together for other reasons. The study was also done at just one hospital, so the results might not apply to all people with diabetes. We also don’t know details about participants’ exercise habits, diet, or how well their blood sugar was controlled.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve had type 2 diabetes for more than 10 years, talk to your doctor about getting screened for muscle and bone health. Focus on keeping your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible, as good control may help prevent these complications. Consider strength training exercises and ensure adequate protein intake to maintain muscle mass.

This research is most relevant for people who have had type 2 diabetes for many years, especially those over 60. People with newer diabetes diagnoses shouldn’t panic, but should use this as motivation for good blood sugar control from the start.

Muscle and bone changes happen gradually over years. While this study suggests problems become noticeable after 10+ years of diabetes, starting prevention efforts early and maintaining them consistently is key to long-term health.

Want to Apply This Research?

Use the Gram app to:

  • Track your daily protein intake and aim for at least 1.2-1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight to support muscle health
  • Add 2-3 strength training sessions per week to your routine, focusing on major muscle groups to combat muscle loss
  • Log your HbA1c levels every 3 months and track any changes in physical strength or balance as early indicators of muscle health

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diabetes management plan or starting new exercise routines.