Unexpectedly Rapid Onset of Severe Sarcopenia in an Elderly Diabetic Man following SGLT2i Administration: A Case Report

Abstract

Sarcopenia is characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function and poses a significant health challenge among people with diabetes. Sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are the backbone of type 2 diabetes treatment. The interplay between SGLT2is and sarcopenia is an area of active research with inconclusive results. This article presents an unexpectedly rapid weight reduction, along with physical performance deterioration, in an elderly patient with type 2 diabetes, which led to treatment discontinuation. A bioelectrical impedance analysis confirmed severe sarcopenia development. Until more data are available, sarcopenia and body composition screening and monitoring may be warranted whenever SGLT2is are prescribed.

Keywords

• diabetes mellites
• SGLT2i
• sarcopenia