Sarcopenia is a clinically relevant complication in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and may contribute to functional decline and disability. A cross-sectional survey published in the Journal of Diabetes Research evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to sarcopenia among adults with T2DM in China.

Adults with T2DM were consecutively recruited from outpatient clinics and inpatient wards of a tertiary hospital between November 2022 and April 2023. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that included 12 knowledge items, 12 attitude items, and 7 scored practice items, along with 3 open-ended practice questions. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling were used.

Among 475 completed questionnaires, mean scores were 4.55±1.98 for knowledge, 47.27±2.89 for attitude, and 19.63±3.51 for practice. Positive associations were observed between knowledge and attitude (r=0.222), knowledge and practice (r=0.375), and attitude and practice (r=0.485), with all P<0.001. Structural equation modeling showed knowledge was positively associated with attitude and practice, while attitude was positively associated with practice (β=0.160, P=0.012; β=0.281, P=0.003; β=0.267, P=0.006).

Only 2.53% of participants reported a prior clinical diagnosis of sarcopenia. The findings suggest low awareness but generally favorable attitudes and moderate self-management behaviors. More structured education and opportunistic screening during diabetes visits may help improve recognition in routine care.