The nutritional status of ambulatory elderly type II diabetic patients

Abstract

We have previously found that malnutrition is common among elderly diabetic patients in nursing homes. To determine the prevalence and nature of nutritional problems among ambulatory elderly diabetic patients, 60 Type II insulin-treated diabetic outpatients 65 years of age or older (mean ± SD 69.1±4.13 years) were evaluated consecutively. Anthropometric parameters and serum biochemical indices of protein calorie nutrition were assessed. The results were compared with those of 63 age-matched nondiabetic patients evaluated concurrently. The two groups, apart from the diagnosis of diabetes and its treatment, were comparable insofar as the number of medical problems and number of medications used. Diabetic patients were not significantly different from the controls in mean body weight and height, but mean body mass index (BMI) was slightly higher in diabetic patients. The lean body weight was not different compared to controls, but percent body fat was higher in diabetic patients. The adipose tissue was preferentially located in the upper body segment primarily in the subscapular and abdominal regions as evidenced by skinfold thickness measurements. There were no differences between the groups in midarm and midthigh muscle circumference. The serum triglyceride levels in the diabetic patients (335.8 ± 560.6 mg/dl) were significantly higher than those of controls (150.1 ± 57.7 mg/dl). There were no significant differences in total lymphocyte count or serum levels of cholesterol, albumin, prealbumin, transferrin and retinol binding protein. It is concluded that among ambulatory, elderly, diabetic patients, being underweight is rare.