Reduced Muscle Strength Is Associated With Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Patients With Osteoarthritis

Context Type 2 diabetes is associated with a greater risk for musculoskeletal disorders, yet its impact on joint function remains unclear. Objective We hypothesized that patients with type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis would exhibit musculoskeletal impairment, which would associate with insulin resistance and distinct microRNA profiles. Methods Participants of the German Diabetes Study with type 2 diabetes (T2D, n = 39) or normal glucose tolerance (CON, n = 27), both with (+OA) or without osteoarthritis (-OA) underwent intravenous glucose tolerance and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp tests. Musculoskeletal function was assessed by isometric knee extension strength (KES), grip strength, range of motion (ROM), and balance skills, while neural function was measured by nerve conductance velocity (NCV). Arthritis-related symptoms were quantified using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire, serum arthritis-related microRNA using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Insulin sensitivity was lower in T2D+OA vs T2D-OA (4.4 ± 2.0 vs 5.7 ± 3.0 mg* kg–1*min–1) and in CON+OA vs CON-OA (8.1 ± 2.0 vs 12.0 ± 2.6 mg*kg–1,*min–1, both P Conclusion Musculoskeletal impairment and osteoarthritis-related symptoms are associated with insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes can mask changes in arthritis-related microRNA profiles.