ABSTRACT
Objective
The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia and examine its associations with glycaemic control, blood pressure and lifestyle behaviours among older adults in Korea.
Methods
We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that included 1394 adults aged 65 years or older. Sarcopenia followed Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria (low appendicular skeletal muscle mass index and low handgrip strength). Complex-sample descriptive tests and multivariable logistic regression identified independent correlates adjusting for sociodemographic, behavioural and clinical covariates. Blood pressure was measured per standard protocol; fasting glucose and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were assayed in a central laboratory.
Results
Sarcopenia prevalence was 14% (n = 199). Age 76 years or older (OR 3.19, 95% CI 2.27–4.49) and poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7.0%; OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.16–3.08) were associated with higher odds of sarcopenia. Protective factors included body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.21–0.48), meeting the World Health Organization physical activity guideline (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28–0.90) and alcohol consumption in the past year (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.41–0.82). Hypertension diagnosis and smoking were not significant. Diastolic, but not systolic, blood pressure was lower among participants with sarcopenia.
Conclusions
In a nationally representative Korean sample, sarcopenia was common and linked to modifiable factors—glycaemic control and physical activity. Findings support integrating HbA1c monitoring, resistance and aerobic exercise promotion, and nutrition counselling into community and primary care to reduce sarcopenia risk and support healthy ageing.