Association between metformin use and handgrip strength in older adult women with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Lima, Peru

Magalía Fernandez-Flores; Oscar Huaman-Gutierrez; Jamee Guerra Valencia

Magalía Fernandez-Flores Facultad de medicina, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
Oscar Huaman-Gutierrez Instituto de Investigación de Bioquímica y Nutrición. Facultad de medicina, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
Jamee Guerra Valencia Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Privada del Norte, Lima, Peru

Keywords: aged, hand strength, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metformin, Peru

Abstract

Aging is associated with declining muscle strength, which may be exacerbated by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin, a widely used antidiabetic drug, could influence muscle-related outcomes, but evidence in older adults remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between metformin use and handgrip strength (HGS) in older adult women with T2DM. This cross-sectional analytical observational study included 114 older adult women (≥60 years) with T2DM recruited from a primary care center. Metformin use was self-reported. HGS was measured using a dynamometer and expressed as absolute values (kg) and normalized for height. Linear regression models were fitted, and β coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated. The mean age was 69.02 years. Overall, 80.7% of participants used at least one antidiabetic medication, and 78.07% used metformin. In adjusted models, metformin use was positively associated with absolute HGS (β=2.51 kg; 95% CI: 0.89–4.12; p=0.003) and height-normalized HGS (β=1.57; 95% CI: 0.52–2.62; p=0.004). Metformin use was positively associated with HGS in older women with T2DM. Longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify the temporal and causal nature of this association.