Abstract
Key summary pointsAimTo investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between glycaemic measures (HbA1c and random glucose) and grip strength (GS) in middle-aged and older adults without prevalent diabetes.FindingsA unit increase in HbA1c was associated with 1-3% higher odds of probable sarcopenia in males across all age groups, and 1-2% higher odds in middle-aged females at baseline. Over 9-year follow-up, males, but not females, with higher baseline HbA1c had decreased odds of having stable high GS pattern, and increased odds of having stable low GS pattern compared with reference (increase or maintained GS within the normal range).MessageHigher HbA1c may be associated with weaker GS in individuals without prevalent diabetes, but the findings warrant replication of the effect on muscle strength when interventions to promote normoglycaemia are trialled.