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

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Endocrinology
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and frailty frequently coexist in the elderly population.
• Current knowledge gaps exist regarding specific nutritional intervention objectives and characteristics for this demographic.
• Effective management requires tailored approaches considering individual functional capacity and health status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review documenting the objectives, characteristics, and outcomes of nutritional interventions in older adults with T2DM and frailty.
• To identify trends in research concerning interventions for this vulnerable population.
• To synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of various management strategies.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review utilizing the Arksey and O'Malley five-stage framework.
• Adherence to PRISMA extension guidelines for scoping reviews.
• Analysis of experimental, observational, and review studies focusing on nutritional and multimodal interventions.

Main Results:

• Three main trends emerged: multicomponent interventions (exercise and nutrition), observational studies linking diet and frailty, and updated recommendations for managing T2DM in frail older adults.
• Nutritional programs often integrated educational or behavioral components.
• Studies demonstrated associations between diet quality assessed by scales and frailty stages.

Conclusions:

• Management of T2DM in frail older adults necessitates individualized goals and interventions aligned with functional capacity.
• Reviewed exercise, diet, and education programs effectively enhance physical performance.
• Interventions show promise in mitigating frailty risk, slowing progression, and improving glycemic control.