Why carry out this study?

The deterioration of skeletal muscle mass and function impairs physical function and increases health burden and costs.

Prevalence of sarcopenia increases in patients with type 2 diabetes, but the influence of glucose-lowering drugs on muscles remains unclear.

What was learned from the study?

Acarbose therapy, rather than insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, was associated with both decreased muscle mass and function.

Assessment and exercise of muscles in patients with long-term acarbose treatment should be considered, and the mechanism and effects of acarbose on muscles need further study.