Sarcopenia ( Muscle Loss) Treatment

Sarcopenia refers to the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength, which leads to decreased functionality. This condition is especially prominent in older adults and very often associated with the biological aging process. Sarcopenia can have profound effects on an individual's quality of life by imposing difficulty in doing simple and ordinary tasks. In critical cases, it may become challenging for a person to do anything independently and lead toward long-term care.

The condition mainly impacts the musculoskeletal system and, consequently, is a dominant contributor to increased frailty, falls, and fractures among elderly people. Such occurrences are oftentimes followed by hospitalizations and surgeries that involve very significant risks and even mortality.

Interestingly, sarcopenia does not just afflict individuals with lower body weight. It also exists among those with a high BMI; they suffer from what is referred to as sarcopenic obesity. Sarcopenic obesity poses a far greater threat to developing secondary complications than obesity alone.

If you feel you are suffering from sarcopenia or other associated health issues, it would be better to consult experts. Consulting doctors like the best diabetologists at Marengo Asia Hospitals can help manage those conditions that usually accompany sarcopenia, such as diabetes, and help evolve strategies for better health tailored to your needs.

What are the risk factors of sarcopenia?

Aging is the major cause of sarcopenia. Some other factors that can lead to sarcopenia, include:

• Living an inactive lifestyle: People who do less or no physical activity on a frequent basis have a greater risk of developing sarcopenia.
• Poor dietary habits: Poor nutrition can also lead to sarcopenia. It generally impacts how quickly muscle mass reduces in older individuals.
• Obesity: Excessive fat in the body can conceal muscle loss and worsen mobility problems, which can lead to sarcopenic obesity. Sarcopenic obesity is more troublesome than obesity or sarcopenia alone.
• Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol intake can damage muscle health and general physical well-being.

What Are The Various Tests Performed By Diabetologists To Diagnose And Treat Muscle Loss?

Diagnosis of sarcopenia involves clinical assessment and high-tech diagnostic techniques. Diabetologists use these tests to diagnose muscle health, especially in patients with diabetes, because muscle loss can worsen complications. Here is an explanation of each type of test generally conducted for sarcopenia:

Muscle Strength Tests

• Handgrip test: The handgrip test is a straightforward yet effective method to assess the overall strength of muscles. The force of the handgrip is measured in this assessment, which indicates a decline in muscle function, which often mirrors the health of other muscle groups within the body.
• Chair stand test: The chair stand test targets leg muscle strength, mainly the quadriceps. It requires patients to get up and sit from a chair without support with their arms and records how many repetitions they complete in 30 seconds. It showcases the challenges of mobility as well as lower-body strength.
• Walking speed test: The walking speed test measures the speed at which an individual walks 4 meters (around 13 feet) comfortably at their usual place. Slow walking speed is very significant in indicating lower muscle strength and frailty, particularly among elderly adults.
• Short physical performance battery (SPPB): The short physical performance battery evaluates the lower-body strength and coordination of a patient using several tests, mainly the chair stand test, the standing balance test, and the walking speed test. It is particularly appropriate for determining the level of the loss of muscles and hence its effect on the resultant physical performance.
• Timed-up-and-go test: This timed-up-and-go test assesses mobility and muscle strength through the length of time required to rise from a chair, walk 3 meters (approximately 10 feet), return to the chair, and sit again. Longer completion times mean considerable muscle weakness and mobility challenges.

Imaging Tests to Measure Muscle Mass

• DEXA/ DXA: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or DEXA/ DXA is a highly developed technique of imaging that uses very soft X-rays to measure muscle mass, fat distribution, and bone density. This test provides clear body composition data; many consider it the standard technique for diagnosing sarcopenia.
• Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA): BIA is more cost-effective and readily accessible than DEXA. It measures body composition based on how electrical currents pass through the body, differentiating between fat mass and lean muscle mass. It is very useful for routine clinical screening.

Other Tests for Assessment

• MRI and CT scan: Such advanced imaging methods provide images of muscle quality and volume. These tests help identify the amount of fat infiltration into muscles, a cardinal feature of sarcopenia and help provide deeper knowledge about the degeneration process in muscles.
• Blood tests: Blood tests are also critical in determining the possible underlying causes of muscle loss. They might include checking the vitamin D level because it is one of the primary deficiencies causing weakness, testing thyroid functions for hormonal imbalance, and markers of inflammation that could show up as chronic diseases causing faster breakdown of muscles.
• Functional and endurance testing: Functional and endurance testing, for instance, the six-minute walk test measures how long a given individual can exercise without rest. This essentially measures the greater influence that loss of muscles has on day-to-day activities and in general, exercising endurance.
• Nutritional assessments: At last, nutritional evaluation helps to know the dietary trends that help to achieve muscular health. Its main aim is protein intake and then identifies risks of malnutrition, a common cause of muscle loss among older adults.

Early diagnosis of muscle loss is of utmost importance in preventing further complications, especially among diabetic patients because they are prone to metabolic imbalances. The doctors at Marengo Asia Hospitals conduct various medical tests that help them develop specific treatment plans that can enhance muscle strength and overall health.

Comprehensive Sarcopenia Treatment at Marengo Asia Hospitals

The technique at Marengo Asia Hospitals for the treatment of sarcopenia is multidimensional and completely patient-centered with interventions that take into consideration lifestyle, medical expertise, and high-tech interventions. We aim to control symptoms, improve health outcomes, and prevent complications by enhancing patients' muscle strength and quality of life.

Personalized Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle changes provide the basis for the treatment of sarcopenia. Physical activity, especially progressive resistance-based strength training is important in enhancing the size, strength, and tone of muscles.

Not only does it build up the muscles, but it also increases the bone density, tendons, and ligaments for an overall good health outcome. Patients can do strength-building exercises by using weights, resistance bands, and machines while following the advice of certified trainers. All programs are modified according to each individual's capability to guarantee safety and effectiveness.

Nutritional Support

Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of fighting sarcopenia. Sufficient protein intake is necessary to prevent and manage sarcopenia, with the daily recommendations ranging from 1.0 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.

Marengo Asia Hospitals' diet consultants are always there to guide you when it comes to your nutritional requirements for sarcopenia treatment. Our specialists will create personalized diet plans with some of the best protein sources, seafood like salmon and trout, and plant-based alternatives like lentils, tofu, and quinoa.

We also choose low-sodium, low-fat, and low-cholesterol sources of protein that suit each patient's needs. If just diet alone isn't enough, then we might prescribe some supplements to boost the muscle strength and regeneration process. The diabetologists of Marengo Asia Hospitals are going to give you the perfect guidance and care for better muscle health and overall well-being.

Home Remedies

Effective sarcopenia management also includes non-medication-based strategies. Experts at Marengo Asia Hospitals always stress regular physical activity and a healthy diet to maintain and enhance muscle mass.

Exercises for building strength not only fight against sarcopenia but are also beneficial for the entire body. Combining such exercises with balanced, protein-rich meals ensures that the patients are fighting against sarcopenia in every activity they do.