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Nutrition in older adults living with diabetes
Author(s) -
Flynn Caoimhe,
Dhatariya Ketan
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
practical diabetes
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.205
H-Index - 24
eISSN - 2047-2900
pISSN - 2047-2897
DOI - 10.1002/pdi.2287
Subject(s) - medicine , gerontology , malnutrition , sarcopenia , diabetes mellitus , psychological intervention , disease , type 2 diabetes , obesity , diabetes management , weight loss , nursing , pathology , anatomy , endocrinology
People in the UK are living longer, consequently an increasing number of adults are living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to an older age. Diabetes is a complex condition to manage, requiring consideration of several different dietary recommendations. In addition, there are many nutritional issues and social barriers associated with older age, which may make following these recommendations more difficult. Older adults represent a diverse age group with varying needs. In order to give the most appropriate advice, clinicians need to consider the functional status of the older adult. Some older adults will continue to manage their diabetes and nutrition in the same manner as their younger peers. Others may have increased needs due to disease or social circumstance, which may affect how they should be advised to manage their diabetes. Both obesity and malnutrition are prevalent in older adults. They impact both nutritional status and diabetes management and are important to consider. Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass, increases frailty in older adults which may exacerbate hypoglycaemic episodes. Nutrition support and tailored dietary interventions by a registered dietitian to help manage these conditions are essential. This, in addition to consideration of the many social, financial and physical barriers to nutrition, is key management of diabetes in older adults. This review aims to explore the complex challenges in nutrition for older adults with diabetes. Copyright © 2020 John Wiley & Sons.