Low muscle, high blood sugar? What experts want you to know

Muscle plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, but low muscle mass can disrupt this balance. When a person has less skeletal muscle, there is less space for glucose storage, leading to elevated blood sugar levels after eating. Over time, the body compensates by producing more insulin, but this can cause remaining muscle to become less responsive to insulin's signals.

This combination of reduced storage capacity and insulin resistance is becoming recognized as a significant factor in poor blood sugar control, even in individuals with normal weight. Low muscle mass can independently increase the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, regardless of body weight or BMI. This is why some slender individuals still develop blood sugar problems, a condition known as metabolically unhealthy despite a lean appearance.

While muscle mass is an important factor, overall metabolic risk also depends on other elements such as visceral fat, family history, age-related muscle loss, physical activity, sleep quality, and diet. To improve glucose regulation, a balanced approach is recommended. Gradual resistance training combined with adequate protein intake can enhance glucose disposal and muscle repair.

This should be done gradually, especially for older or less active individuals, with an emphasis on protein distribution throughout the day and sufficient sleep and recovery.