New research from the University of Westminster suggests that the shape of the gluteus maximus muscle, rather than its size, can predict the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The study, which analysed MRI data from 61,290 participants in the UK Biobank, found distinct sex-specific patterns in muscle shape associated with the disease.
Using 3D MRI mapping, researchers created anatomical models revealing that men with diabetes and frailty showed general muscle shrinkage across the gluteus maximus, while women had enlarged muscle due to fat infiltration. Co-author Dr Marjola Thanaj noted that these differences indicate men and women have very different biological responses to the same disease.
The gluteus maximus is one of the largest muscles in the body and plays a key role in metabolic health. Higher fitness levels, measured by vigorous physical activity and hand grip strength, were linked to a greater gluteus maximus shape, while ageing, frailty, and prolonged sitting were associated with muscle thinning.
Senior author Professor Louise Thomas emphasised the importance of maintaining muscle mass for long-term health, as muscle helps regulate blood sugar and reduces the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and fatty liver disease. Simple changes like taking stairs or adding squats and lunges to weekly routines can help maintain the gluteus maximus.
The research is set to be presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America next week.
