Protein nutritional status and function are associated with type 2 diabetes in Hispanic elders

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nutritional Science
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Hispanic elders exhibit a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes, often accompanied by poor glycemic control.
• This can lead to diminished nutritional status, muscle wasting, and functional decline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between type 2 diabetes and nutritional status in Hispanic elders.
• To assess nutritional status via serum albumin and mid-upper arm muscle area (MAM).
• To examine the association between type 2 diabetes and functional impairment, defined by difficulties in daily activities.

Main Methods:

• The study involved 556 Hispanic elders and 158 non-Hispanic whites (NHW).
• Data collected included health history, disability, dietary intake (energy and protein), body mass index (BMI), and C-reactive protein levels.
• Multiple logistic regression models were employed for ethnic group comparisons.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in low albumin or low MAM were found between Hispanic and NHW groups.
• Hispanic diabetic women showed the lowest proportion of low MAM.
• Hispanics on insulin had double the risk of low serum albumin compared to NHW counterparts.
• Among Hispanics, low albumin and BMI correlated with low MAM; female sex, low albumin, high BMI, and insulin use were linked to functional impairment.

Conclusions:

• Type 2 diabetes is associated with compromised nutritional status and muscle mass in Hispanic elders.
• These factors contribute to functional limitations in this demographic.
• The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address diabetes-related health issues in Hispanic seniors.