Keywords
1. Diabetic nutritional supplements
2. Type 2 diabetes elderly care
3. Nutritional status in diabetes
4. Metabolic control diabetes
5. Quality of life diabetes management
A recent multicentre observational study, spanning numerous clinical settings, has shown positive outcomes for elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) who were administered a specific oral diabetes nutritional supplement. This supplement, known as Glucerna® 1c, was designed to meet the unique nutritional requirements of diabetic patients, including those at risk of malnutrition or those already malnourished. The study’s findings, which highlight the product’s effectiveness in improving nutritional status, metabolic control, quality of life (QoL), and functional status, represent a significant advancement in the management of diabetes in the elderly population.
The study, published in the journal Clinical Nutrition (DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2018.05.007), involved a cohort of 402 elderly participants, with an average age of approximately 81 years. Nearly 45% of the subjects were male, with a distribution of about 62% living in the community and 38% in nursing homes. The findings were particularly important given the prevalence of malnutrition in elderly individuals with DM2 and the subsequent impact on their overall health and daily functioning.
As detailed in the study, malnutrition in elderly patients with DM2 is a profound concern as it can exacerbate the complications associated with diabetes and contribute to a decline in both physical and mental health. Proper nutrition is an integral part of managing blood sugar levels and preventing the myriad of complications associated with poor metabolic control in diabetes.
Effectiveness of Glucerna® 1c
The diabetes-specific oral nutritional supplement (DSONS) provided to the patients was high-calorie and high-protein, containing slow-digestible carbohydrates and high monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content. Glucerna® 1c was tailored to address the metabolic idiosyncrasies of diabetic patients, offering a dietary composition conducive to maintaining blood sugar levels within an acceptable range while also addressing their overall nutritional needs.
The study was prospective and observational in nature, with the primary goal of assessing whether the administration of Glucerna® 1c could significantly impact multiple facets of the patients’ health. The areas investigated included changes in nutritional status (using Body Mass Index – BMI as a marker), metabolic control (considering blood sugar levels), functional status (patients’ physical abilities and independence), and QoL.
Nutritional Status and Metabolic Control
Findings indicated that patients receiving the DSONS showed improvements in both BMI and metabolic control. These improvements are essential, as maintaining an appropriate body weight and controlling blood sugar levels are often challenging in elderly diabetic patients. The supplementation catered to specific nutritional requirements without causing hyperglycemia, which is a common concern with regular nutritional supplements.
Quality of Life and Functional Status
The study also found positive results in evaluating QoL and functional status of those partaking of the supplement. QoL is a critical measure for the elderly, as it encompasses not only physical health but also psychological, emotional, and social functioning. Meanwhile, maintaining functional status is vital to ensuring independence and the ability to perform activities of daily living.
The Potential Impact on Elderly Diabetes Care
These findings have substantial implications for the care of elderly patients with DM2. Nutritional interventions are a cornerstone of diabetes management, yet the unique challenges faced by the elderly population, such as reduced appetite, changes in taste, and difficulties with food preparation, can complicate adequate dietary intake. Oral supplements like Glucerna® 1c help to bridge the nutritional gap, supporting better management of diabetes and enhancing the overall well-being of older adults.
Conclusion
Given the increasing prevalence of DM2 among the aging population, specialized nutritional tools like Glucerna® 1c are invaluable in addressing the multifaceted needs of these patients. Furthermore, the study’s results – available at DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2018.05.007 – underscore the effectiveness of DSONS in not only improving clinical outcomes but also promoting better quality of life and functionality.
References
1. Matia Martin, P., Robles Agudo, F., Lopez Medina, J. A., Sanz Paris, A., Tarazona Santabalbina, F., Domenech Pascual, J. R., … & Sanz Barriuso, R. (2019). Effectiveness of an oral diabetes-specific supplement on nutritional status, metabolic control, quality or life, and functional status in elderly patients. A multicenter study. *Clinical Nutrition*, 38(3), 1253-1261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2018.05.007
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4. Gazzotti, C., Arnaud-Battandier, F., Parello, M., Farine, S., Seidel, L., Albert, A., … & Pepersack, T. (2003). Prevention of malnutrition in older people during and after hospitalization: Results from a randomized controlled clinical trial. *Age and Ageing*, 32(3), 321-325.
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Through this study, the potential for improving the lives of elderly patients with DM2 using tailored nutritional support is clear. As the population ages and the prevalence of DM2 increases, the information gleaned from such research becomes ever more critical in shaping effective dietary interventions and ultimately enhancing the care provided to this vulnerable demographic.