Some diabetics at more risk of muscle loss

Those with kidney disease 21/2 times more likely to lose muscle mass, function: Study

SingHealth Polyclinics clinical research coordinator Ng Chiat Eng measuring the walking speed of Mr Abdul Samad, 76, during a demonstration of sarcopenia assessment methods on Monday.
SingHealth Polyclinics clinical research coordinator Ng Chiat Eng measuring the walking speed of Mr Abdul Samad, 76, during a demonstration of sarcopenia assessment methods on Monday. ST PHOTO: MARCELLIN LOPEZ
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A new study has found that those with diabetic nephropathy, also known as diabetic kidney disease, are 2½ times more likely to develop sarcopenia, or loss of muscle mass and function, than diabetics who do not have kidney disease.

Conducted by SingHealth Polyclinics in collaboration with Duke-NUS Medical School and shared with The Straits Times on Monday, the study also found that 58 per cent of the elderly with Type 2 diabetes had pre-sarcopenia and sarcopenia.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 27, 2019, with the headline Some diabetics at more risk of muscle loss. Subscribe