With the aging of the global population and changes of the lifestyle, the number of patients with comorbid sarcopenic obesity and diabetes mellitus is increasing. The pathogenesis of the two diseases is closely related, and the coexistence of them may lead to more adverse outcomes. This article reviews the diagnostic criteria and epidemiology of sarcopenic obesity, evidence on its relationship with diabetes, and the management of comorbidities, aiming to provide insights for clinical practice.