Sarcopenia in Indian adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and associated factors

To determine the pooled prevalence of sarcopenia phenotypes and synthesise the evidence on factors associated with sarcopenia among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in India.

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from inception to 14 January 2026, supplemented by reference list and citation searching.

Cross-sectional studies of Indian adults (≥18 years) with T2DM reporting sarcopenia prevalence using Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) diagnostic criteria.

Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute prevalence checklist. Proportions were logit-transformed and pooled using random-effects models with Hartung-Knapp CIs and prediction intervals. Associated factors were synthesised narratively within a tiered framework separating adjusted from unadjusted ORs.