Nutritional Interventions in Older Persons with Type 2 Diabetes and Frailty: A Scoping Systematic Review

Abstract

In the elderly, the coexistence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and frailty is frequent. Much has been described about pharmacological management and glycemic control goals. However, there is a knowledge gap in terms of the objectives and characteristics of interventions, especially nutritional ones, for this population. A scoping review was performed to document the objectives, characteristics, and results of nutritional interventions in older people with T2DM and frailty. The five-stage framework of Arksey and O’Malley was used, as was the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. The results stand out for three trends, as follows: (1) experimental studies with multicomponent intervention physical exercise programs and nutritional programs based on educational processes or behavioral intervention; (2) observational studies with an association of the kind of diet assessed by scales and their relation to stages of frailty; (3) a review that updates recommendations on pharmacological and non-pharmacological, diet, exercise, management, as well as glucose control goals for diabetes in frail older persons. Finally, the evidence shows that management of T2DM in older adults with frailty requires goals and interventions tailored to their functional capacity and health condition. The exercise, diet, and education programs reviewed have demonstrated their effectiveness in improving physical performance, reducing the risk of frailty or progression to more advanced stages, and achieving better glycemic control.

Keywords

• frailty
• type 2 diabetes mellitus
• older people
• nutritional intervention