A wide range of factors contribute to the overlap of hyperglycemia—acute or chronic—and sarcopenia, as well as their associated adverse consequences, which can lead to impaired physical function, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality risk. These factors include malnutrition (both overnutrition and undernutrition) and low levels of physical activity. Hyperglycemia and sarcopenia are interconnected through a vicious cycle of events that mutually reinforce and worsen each other. To explore this association, our review compiles evidence on: (i) the impact of hyperglycemia on motor and muscle function, with a focus on the mechanisms underlying biochemical changes in the muscles of individuals with or at risk of diabetes and sarcopenia; (ii) the importance of the clinical assessment and control of sarcopenia under hyperglycemic conditions; and (iii) the potential benefits of medical nutrition therapy and increased physical activity as muscle-targeted treatments for this population. Based on the reviewed evidence, we conclude that a regular intake of key functional nutrients, together with structured and supervised resistance and/or aerobic physical activity, can help maintain euglycemia and improve muscle status in all patients with hyperglycemia and sarcopenia.

Background: Preoperative sarcopenia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. The assessment of muscle mass is crucial in identifying at-risk patients, but standard imaging methods like computed tomography (CT) scans require significant resources. Functional tests, such as the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, may serve as simple and effective alternatives for sarcopenia screening. Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of the TUG test in predicting preoperative sarcopenia in patients scheduled for CRC surgery. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary colorectal unit from January 2022 to June 2023. Patients underwent a prehabilitation assessment, including the TUG test, four weeks before surgery. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on reduced muscle mass measured at the third lumbar vertebra on CT images. Statistical analyses included the sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of the TUG test in predicting sarcopenia. Results: The study included 199 CRC patients (58.3% male, mean age 71.76 ± 10.42 years). Sarcopenia was present in 48.7% of patients. The mean TUG test length was 12.52 ± 7.95 s. A TUG test time of ≥10.19 s predicted sarcopenia with 70.1% sensitivity, 75.5% specificity, and an overall accuracy of 72.9% (95% CI = 0.660–0.790). Conclusions: The TUG test is a reliable, simple, and non-invasive tool for identifying sarcopenia in patients scheduled for colorectal cancer surgery, reducing reliance on CT scans. Early detection allows for timely interventions, improving surgical outcomes and overall patient prognosis.

Background: Muscle-specific strength (MSS), defined as muscle strength relative to muscle mass, is a key indicator in the assessment of sarcopenia and functional status, especially in patients with cancer. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the reference method for estimating muscle mass, but its limited accessibility hinders routine use. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between DXA-based MSS and MSS estimated through more accessible techniques. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 205 adult oncology outpatients. Muscle strength was assessed by handgrip dynamometry, and muscle mass was estimated using DXA, bioimpedance (BIA), ultrasound, and anthropometry. MSS was calculated by dividing grip strength by each muscle mass parameter. Results: MSS calculated with BIA, body weight, and calf circumference showed very strong correlations with MSS-DXA (r > 0.90). Ultrasound-derived MSS showed only a moderate correlation (r = 0.55; p < 0.01). Similar patterns were observed in both men and women. Conclusions: BIA and anthropometric methods, particularly those using body weight and calf circumference, are reliable and accessible alternatives to DXA for estimating MSS in oncology patients. These tools may help improve the identification and monitoring of sarcopenia in clinical settings with limited resources.