Assessment of muscle and fat mass in type 2 diabetes patients by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 2021 Sep 1;21(3):364-372.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the quantitative composition of muscle and adipose tissue in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients on the basis of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for the diagnosis of obesity and sarcopenia.

Methods: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was administered to 50 patients with T2DM. Evaluation of the composition of muscle and adipose tissue was performed.

Results: The median of Appendicular Lean Mass Index (ALMI) in the general group was 8.04 [7.32; 8.97]. In general, there was a decrease in the appendicular muscle mass with increasing age. According to the results of T-score ALMI and Z-score ALMI, we did not identify patients with sarcopenia. However, the calculation of the T- and Z-criteria, adjusted for fat mass, led to a significant decrease of these parameters and in 98.0% it was possible to identify patients who meet the criteria of sarcopenia.

Conclusion: We did not detect patients with sarcopenia on the basis of ALMI, T-ALMI. After revision of these criteria for fat mass, almost all patients started to meet the criteria of sarcopenia (98.0%).

Keywords: Body Composition; Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry; Fat Mass Index; Obesity; Sarcopenia.

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Body Composition
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Skeletal / diagnostic imaging
  • Sarcopenia* / diagnostic imaging