The association between calf circumference and handgrip strength in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study at a referral hospital in Callao, Peru

Santiago A.A.; Aviles N.L.; Arbildo D.Q.; Valencia J.G. · Revista Espanola de Nutricion Humana y Dietetica (2025) · DOI: 10.14306/renhyd.29.2.2399

Resumen

Introduction: Calf circumference and handgrip strength are anthropometric indicators used to assess muscle functionality and predict adverse outcomes such as frailty and disability. Although these measures have been studied in community settings, their association in hospitalized older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains underexplorexl. Objective: To analyze the association between calf circumference and handgrip strength in hospitalized older adults with T2DM. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 87 hospitalized older adults at the Alberto Sabogal Sologuren National Hospital (Peru) from May to June 2024. The exposure variable was calf circumference, measured in centimeters using standardized protocols. The outcome variable was handgrip strength, expressed in kilograms. Generalized linear models with an identity link and Gaussian family were fitted and reported with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Age, sex, and body mass index were included as adjustment variables. Results: Of the participants, 60.92% were men and the mean age was 68.9 years. Calf circumference showed the highest correlation with handgrip strength among the evaluated indicators (r = 0.62). A significant positive association was observed between calf circumference and handgrip strength (adjusted ß = 1.28; 95% CI: 0.92-1.62; p < 0.001). Stratified analysis revealed a stronger association in men (ß = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.08-1.99; p < 0.001) compared to women = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.35-1.68; ß = 0.003). Conclusions: Calf circumference is positively associated with handgrip strength in hospitalized older adults with T2DM. These findings support its utility as an accessible functional marker in hospital settings and highlight the need for longitudinal studies to confirm these results. © (2025), (Asociacion Espanola de Dietistas-Nutricionistas). All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola; Universidad Privada del Norte