Assessment of nutritional status and quality of life in individuals with and without diabetes over 65 years of age

The aim of this study is to evaluate the nutritional status of individuals with and without diabetes over the age of 65 and its effects on the quality of life. A total of 188 subjects, 94 diabetic individuals and 94 non-diabetic individuals as the control group, were included in the study. Both groups were surveyed using the mini nutritional assessment short form (MNA-SF) scale, Europen quality of life 5 dimensions-3 level version (EQ-5D-3L) quality of life scale and socio-demographic data questionnaire. Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were taken for anthropometric measurements. The levels of biochemical parameters were measured. The mean age of the participants was 70.34 ± 4.63 years, and 64.9% were female. In total, 4.3% of patients with diabetes had malnutrition and 37.2% were at risk of malnutrition. While malnutrition was not detected in patients without diabetes, 26.6% were at risk. In terms of malnutrition, a statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (p = 0.027). The EQ-5D-3L quality of life index score was lower in patients with diabetes (p = 0.025). Identifying and following up on malnutrition status in elderly diabetes patients are of importance with regard to disease control and quality of life.