Prevalence of Malnutrition and Associated Factors Among the Elderly With Type 2 Diabetes Using MNA Form

Abstract

Objective: This study has been conducted to identify the frequency of malnutrition and different factors associated with it among elderly people with Type 2 diabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (NIDE), DUHS, Karachi, between January 2023 and October 2023. A total of 325 elderly participants aged ≥ 60 years with Type 2 diabetes were included. Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used for data collection. Results: Nutritional assessment of older diabetic patients according to the MNA revealed that 226 (69.5%) patients were at risk of malnutrition whereas 53 (16.3%) were malnourished. A total of 325 Type 2 diabetic patients were included in the study with a mean age of 65.7 ± 5.5 years, where 135 (41.5%) were male and 190 (58.5%) were female. Older patients (mean age: 65 years) were significantly more malnourished compared to those with normal nutrition (mean age: 62 years; p = 0.021). Employed patients were less likely to have the risk of malnutrition as compared to housewives (p = 0.005). Patients who had low family income were eight times more likely to be malnourished as compared to those who had better family income (p = 0.003). It was also found that patients with low BMI and calf circumference will be more prone to be malnourished as compared to those with high levels of BMI (p = 0.003) and calf circumference (p = 0.013). Conclusion: The majority of study participants were at risk of malnourishment, with associated factors such as rapid weight loss, poor health status, decline in physical activity, and food intake. Therefore, these findings highlight the importance of tailored interventions for at-risk individuals, including regular screening and nutritional support.