Frailty, Sarcopenia and Diabetes

It is estimated that 26.9% of persons 65 years and older in the United States have diabetes mellitus (www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/estimates11.htm). 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet. Available at: www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/estimates11.htm. Accessed April 21, 2014. Google Scholar A systematic review has shown that persons with diabetes are at increased risk of mobility disability and disability in instrumental activities of daily living and activities of daily living. 2 Wong E. Backholer K. Gearon E. et al. Diabetes and risk of physical disability in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2013; 1: 106-114 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar Frailty has been defined as a predisability state, which increases the vulnerability of a person to have a poorer outcome (eg, disability, hospitalization, nursing home placement, or death) when exposed to a stressor. 3 Morley J.E. Vellas B. van Kan G.A. et al. Frailty consensus: A call to action. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2013; 14: 392-397 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (84) Google Scholar , 4 Morley J.E. Developing novel therapeutic approaches to frailty. Curr Pharm Des. 2009; 15: 3384-3395 Crossref PubMed Scopus (69) Google Scholar The major cause of frailty is sarcopenia. Modern definitions have redefined sarcopenia as lacking muscle strength, as measured by gait speed or grip strength, in the presence of a low muscle mass. 5 Cruz-Jentoft A.J. Baeyens J.P. Bauer J.M. et al. European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Sarcopenia: European consensus on definition and diagnosis: Report of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Age Aging. 2010; 39: 412-423 Crossref PubMed Scopus (740) Google Scholar , 6 Chen L.K. Liu L.K. Woo J. et al. Sarcopenia in Asia: Consensus report of the Asian working group on sarcopenia. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2014; 15: 95-101 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (14) Google Scholar , 7 Fielding R.A. Vellas B. Evans W.J. et al. Sarcopenia: An undiagnosed condition in older adults: Current consensus definition: Prevalence, etiology, and consequences. International Working Group on Sarcopenia. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2011; 12: 249-256 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (279) Google Scholar , 8 Morley J.E. Abbatecola A.M. Argiles J.M. et al. Society on Sarcopenia, Cachexia and Wasting Disorders Trialist Workshop. Sarcopenia with limited mobility: An international consensus. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2011; 12: 403-409 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (146) Google Scholar In this review, we explore the relationship of frailty and sarcopenia to diabetes mellitus.