Objective To investigate the detection rate of pre-sarcopenia in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to analyze its influencing factors. Methods A total of 302 elderly T2DM patients were enrolled by convenience sampling. According to relevant diagnostic criteria, the patients were divided into control group, pre-sarcopenia group, or sarcopenia group. Patients' general data and laboratory indicators were collected; height, body weight, grip strength, calf circumference, and 6-meter walking speed were measured; body mass index (BMI) was calculated; the Mini Nutritional Assessment and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form were used to evaluate nutritional status and physical activity level, respectively. In order to identify the influencing factors of pre-sarcopenia, patients with confirmed sarcopenia were excluded, and the remaining patients were included in the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression model was adopted to analyze the independent influencing factors of pre-sarcopenia in elderly T2DM patients. Results The detection rate of pre-sarcopenia among elderly T2DM patients was 31.46% (95/302). Univariate analysis results showed that there were statistically significant differences between the control group and the pre-sarcopenia group in diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic peripheral vascular disease, body weight, BMI, grip strength, calf circumference, triglyceride level, nutritional status, and physical activity level (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results indicated that higher BMI (OR=0.480, 95%CI: 0.370-0.624), greater grip strength (OR=0.882, 95%CI: 0.807-0.964), and a high level of physical activity (OR=0.312, 95%CI: 0.148-0.637) were independent protective factors for pre-sarcopenia in elderly T2DM patients, while diabetic peripheral vascular disease (OR=4.033, 95%CI: 1.756-9.269) was an independent risk factor (all P<0.05). Conclusion The detection rate of pre-sarcopenia is relatively high in elderly T2DM patients; BMI, grip strength, physical activity level, and diabetic peripheral vascular disease are its independent influencing factors. Clinically, attention should be paid to the evaluation and intervention of the above indicators, and the prevention and treatment should be advanced to the pre-sarcopenia stage, so as to delay the occurrence and progression of sarcopenia and reduce the risk of adverse health events.

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