Validation of a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis device for the assessment of body composition in older adults with type 2 diabetes

Background Aging and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia. Diagnosis of sarcopenia is commonly done using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in specialized settings. Another available method for assessing body composition is direct segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (DSMF-BIA). Here, we examine the accuracy of a DSMF-BIA (InBody-770) for assessing body composition in older adults with T2DM when compared to DXA. Methods Eighty-four obese/overweight older adults (49 women, 71 ± 5 years) with T2DM who were recruited for the CEV-65 study and had both DSMF-BIA and DXA assessments at baseline were included. The analysis included Bland–Altman plots and intra class correlation coefficients. Sub-analyses were performed according to gender and following 10 weeks of interventions (diet, circuit training, and Empagliflozin). Results The leg lean mass results according to DSMF-BIA and DXA were 14.76 ± 3.62 kg and 15.19 ± 3.52 kg, respectively, with no difference between devices according to Bland–Altman analyses ( p = 0.353). Assessment of appendicular skeletal mass index did not differ between DSMF-BIA and DXA (7.43 vs. 7.47 kg/m 2 ; p = 0.84; ICC = 0.965, p < 0.0001; mean difference −0.068, p = 0.595). Gender and treatment interventions did not modify the accuracy of the DSMF-BIA when compared to DXA. Conclusions In older adults with T2DM the degree of agreement between DSMF-BIA and DXA, was high, supporting the use of DSMF-BIA to measure muscle mass.