Work

Interactive Pathways and Therapeutic Innovations in Elderly Sarcopenia-Diabetes Comorbidity: Breaking the Negative Self-Reinforcing Loop Through Integrated Care

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Against the backdrop of a rapidly aging global population, the prevalence of metabolic dysregulation and degenerative musculoskeletal conditions is escalating. Projections indicate that sarcopenia will emerge as a major public health burden over the next three decades. A robust bidirectional link connects sarcopenia with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); each condition substantially elevates the risk of the other and may accelerate functional decline and disability. Emerging data demonstrate that older adults with both T2DM and sarcopenia face a markedly higher risk of all-cause mortality than those with T2DM alone. Consequently, unraveling the shared pathophysiological underpinnings of these comorbid disorders holds profound clinical and scientific significance. We reviewed current knowledge on the interactive mechanisms driving the sarcopenia-diabetes nexus and evaluated existing therapeutic approaches through systematic searches of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The high co-occurrence of sarcopenia and T2DM in older adults is not coincidental; rather, it reflects a well-documented pathophysiological interrelationship. By synthesizing contemporary evidence, we aim to guide future research and refine clinical protocols designed to improve quality of life and reduce complication rates among elderly diabetic populations.

Source: Diabetes Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity

DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s630510