Diabetes is associated with increased risks of low lean mass and slow gait speed when peripheral artery disease is present

AimsThe aim of the current study was to evaluate the independent relationship of diabetes and PAD with lean mass and gait speed.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of the U.S. population in 1999 through 2004, including 4769 participants aged ≥ 40 years of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004. Appendicular lean mass divided by body mass index (ALMBMI) and gait speed were analyzed. Low lean mass was defined as ALMBMI < 0.512 in women and < 0.789 in men, whereas mobility impairment was defined as gait speed < 0.8 m/s.ResultsIn the fully adjusted model, participants with both diabetes and PAD had a higher odds of low lean mass (OR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.07-4.57) and mobility impairment (OR = 4.8; 95% CI: 1.93-11.97) when compared with participants with neither diabetes nor PAD. No significant association of “with diabetes without PAD” or “with PAD without diabetes” with low lean mass or mobility impairment was observed. Participants with diabetes and PAD had significantly lower ALMBMI and gait speed when compared with all other participants.ConclusionsPeople with both diabetes and PAD had a higher likelihood of low lean mass and mobility impairment; such association was not observed in people with either diabetes or PAD alone.