Non pharmacological treatments in elderly diabetics

Among the therapeutic resources available for the elderly diabetic, diet and exercise are often neglected because patients are reluctant to make changes and significant amount of time of healthcare providers and physicians is required for patient education. Diet and exercise work in synergy to lower the biological parameters of diabetes control. Diet in the elderly diabetic patient is based essentially on the nutritional recommendations for the elderly subject, diabetic or non diabetic. Recent studies on exercise demonstrate the value of resistance training in increasing muscle mass, preferably over endurance training. The benefits obtained also involve autonomy and quality of life. Taking up exercise is not devoid of disadvantages because of the frequent co-morbidity at this age.