The Impact of Sarcopenia on Glucose and Insulin Dynamics: A Mathematical Model

Introduction: Diabetes and sarcopenia are major age-related health issues in the world. Due to their bidirectional relationship, they significantly impact the quality of life of elderly men and women, especially those over 60 years old. In this brief communication, we incorporate the effect of sarcopenia into a previously developed mathematical model examining the impact of exercise on the dynamics of glucose and insulin. Methods: Extending a previous mathematical model by Derouich and Boutayeb, derived from the minimal model of Bergman, we present a new mathematical model using ordinary differential equations in which the parameter “S” is included to express the additive effect of sarcopenia. Results: Considering that the sarcopenia effect is introduced multiplicatively, the new model proposed shows that sarcopenia lowers insulin sensitivity both in the presence and absence of physical exercise. The effects of sarcopenia on glucose dynamics are illustrated by simulations with varying model parameters. Discussion: A large number of clinical studies have shown the link between Type 2 diabetes and sarcopenia. Some authors have particularly explored the causal relationship between insulin resistance and sarcopenia. The proposed mathematical model indicates that sarcopenia reduces insulin sensitivity in both the presence and absence of physical exercise, and that severe sarcopenia may negate the benefits of physical exercise. Conclusion: By theoretically demonstrating the relationship between sarcopenia and Type 2 diabetes, this mathematical model confirms the interrelationship between sarcopenia and Type 2 diabetes for any population worldwide, regardless of its regional, cultural, or environmental specificity.