Your Glutes May Offer an Early Warning Sign for Diabetes Risk, New Research Suggests
A new study reveals that changes in the gluteus maximus – the largest muscle in the body – could serve as an early indicator of future health risks, particularly the progress of type 2 diabetes. Researchers have found regional thinning in this muscle group can be detected even before overall muscle volume declines, potentially offering a new avenue for proactive health monitoring.
According too professor Louise Thomas, the senior author of the study, the gluteus maximus may act as an early alarm, even if the early changes are not apparent to the naked eye. “We could see regional thinning in the men long before the overall muscle volume dropped,” she says. “If someone is having an MRI for any other reason, this could be a quick extra check.” This is important because lifestyle changes – improved diet and increased exercise – can reduce diabetes risk.
The findings underscore the broader importance of maintaining muscle mass throughout life. Muscles aren’t solely for strength; they play a crucial role in energy processing, blood sugar regulation, and reducing frailty. maintaining muscle mass can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and fatty liver disease, among other conditions.
“People tend to ignore muscle unless they’re bodybuilders.But maintaining muscle mass as we age is one of the most important things we can do for our long-term health,” Thomas said.
Even small adjustments to daily routines can make a difference. Simple changes – taking the stairs, walking breaks during desk work, or incorporating squats and lunges – can help maintain gluteus maximus health. “If people understand how important their muscles are, and make small changes to keep them healthy, that could have a huge impact on disease across the population,” she added.
