Chiao-Nan Chen1, Ting-Chung Chen1, Shiow-Chwen Tsai2, Chii-Min Hwu3. 1. Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan. 2. Institute of Sports Sciences, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan. 3. Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. Electronic address: chhwu@vghtpe.gov.tw.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Some patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) experience decreased mobility associated with lower relative muscle strength (normalized with muscle mass). This study aimed to identify factors predicting relative muscle strength of patients with T2DM assessed at regular clinical visits. METHODS: A total of 144 T2DM patients underwent fasting blood drawing (determining white blood cell count [WBC], diabetic kidney disease [DKD], and glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c]) and the assessment of body composition, diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), activity level, and muscle strength (grip, knee extensor, and ankle plantar flexor strength). One-way ANOVA and multiple regression models were used to identify factors associated with the relative muscle strength. RESULTS: Our data showed that age, diabetes duration, fat percentage, WBC, DPN, and DKD were negatively associated with the relative muscle strength. Specifically, a greater WBC was associated with lower relative muscle strength of both distal and proximal muscle groups of extremities after the adjustment of other associated factors. DPN was associated with lower relative strength of the distal muscle groups of extremities. CONCLUSIONS: WBC may be used as a marker of inflammation, and greater count, even within the normal range, is negatively associated with the relative muscle strength in patients with T2DM.
OBJECTIVES: Some patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) experience decreased mobility associated with lower relative muscle strength (normalized with muscle mass). This study aimed to identify factors predicting relative muscle strength of patients with T2DM assessed at regular clinical visits. METHODS: A total of 144 T2DM patients underwent fasting blood drawing (determining white blood cell count [WBC], diabetic kidney disease [DKD], and glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c]) and the assessment of body composition, diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), activity level, and muscle strength (grip, knee extensor, and ankle plantar flexor strength). One-way ANOVA and multiple regression models were used to identify factors associated with the relative muscle strength. RESULTS: Our data showed that age, diabetes duration, fat percentage, WBC, DPN, and DKD were negatively associated with the relative muscle strength. Specifically, a greater WBC was associated with lower relative muscle strength of both distal and proximal muscle groups of extremities after the adjustment of other associated factors. DPN was associated with lower relative strength of the distal muscle groups of extremities. CONCLUSIONS: WBC may be used as a marker of inflammation, and greater count, even within the normal range, is negatively associated with the relative muscle strength in patients with T2DM.