Background:
Emerging evidence suggests that skeletal muscle strength is closely linked to glucose metabolism and may play a pivotal role in type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission. While weight reduction is considered the primary driver of remission, the independent contribution of muscle strength remains underexplored. The UK Biobank (UKB), with its extensive phenotypic and biochemical data, offers an opportunity to examine whether baseline muscle strength predicts diabetes remission.
Objective:
To investigate the association between muscle strength and T2D remission in the UKB cohort, and to evaluate whether this association is independent of weight change.
Methods:
We will include participants with diagnosed T2D at baseline (defined by ICD-10 codes, self-report, or medication records). Muscle strength will be assessed by handgrip strength, standardized by body weight. Participants will be categorized into quartiles or sex-specific groups of muscle strength. The primary outcome will be diabetes remission, defined as HbA1c 10% body weight loss. Subgroup analyses will explore modification by sex, age, and baseline BMI.
