Evaluating the Nutritional and Gerontological Status of Hospitalized Diabetic Patients Over 70

Rym Ben Othman^1, , Yasmine Jallouli², Ramla Mizouri², Olfa Berriche², Cyine Trabelsi², Rania Tamboura², Amel Gamoudi² and Henda Jamoussi²

¹university of Tunis El Manar Faculty of Medecine of Tunis

²institut National de Nutrition et de Technologie Alimentaire de Tunis

Cite this paper:
Rym Ben Othman, Yasmine Jallouli, Ramla Mizouri, Olfa Berriche, Cyine Trabelsi, Rania Tamboura, Amel Gamoudi and Henda Jamoussi. Evaluating the Nutritional and Gerontological Status of Hospitalized Diabetic Patients Over 70. Journal of Food and Nutrition Research. 2023; 11(10):660-666. doi: 10.12691/jfnr-11-10-8

Abstract

Introduction: Malnutrition is a pressing public health concern among elderly individuals with diabetes, and North Africa is no exception to this issue. Objective: to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and its predictive factors among hospitalized elderly patients aged 70 and above with diabetes. Methods: This was a multicentric cross-sectional study conducted at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology in Tunis from September 2022 to March 2023. A total of 100 patients were included, with the diagnosis of malnutrition based on criteria from the High Health Authority, including etiological and phenotypic factors. Hospitalization was considered an etiological criterion. Results: Malnourished patients (MN+) had a mean age of 74.51 ± 4.41 years, while well-nourished patients (MN-) averaged 72.76 ± 3.27 years (p=0.02). Females constituted 65% of the sample. The average BMI was 28.75 ± 5.89 kg/m², with MN+ patients having an average BMI of 27.99 kg/m² compared to 29.51 kg/m² for MN- patients (p=0.02). Malnutrition was present in 49% of the population. Risk factors of malnutrition in the multivariate analysis were as a history of hospitalization, low appendicular muscle mass, and infrequent poultry consumption. Conclusion: our findings underscore the importance of addressing malnutrition in this vulnerable population to improve their overall health.

Keywords:
nutritional status gerontology hospitalization type 2 diabetes Sarcopenia Depression Frailty Autonomy Alimentary survey nutrient intake

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