Consumo alimentar de idosos e fatores associados ao diabetes mellitus 2: uma revisão narrativa da literatura

Abstract

This is a narrative review article of the literature with the objective of investigating the food consumption of the elderly and factors associated with diabetes mellitus 2, aiming to encourage the adoption of an adequate diet to promote healthy aging. The search for articles was carried out in the databases Google Scholar, PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) and Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (Lilacs), in important bodies in the area such as the Brazilian Society of Diabetes, World Health Organization, Ministry of Health, American Diabetes Association and International Diabetes Federation. Publications referring to the period from 2012 to 2022 were included. The keywords used to search for the results of this study were: type 2 diabetes mellitus, elderly and nutrition. The results showed that the diet of elderly Brazilians is characterized by a higher intake of caloric foods, refined and rich in fats, sugars and salt and insufficient in terms of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. For the treatment and management of diabetes mellitus, it is recommended the practice of physical exercise and the adoption of a healthy diet, fractioned meals and reduction of foods that are sources of fat, sodium and sugar. It is concluded that the dietary pattern of elderly people with diabetes mellitus is characterized by a high caloric intake and macro and micronutrient deficiencies.