Nutritional status and some digestive symptoms in the elderly treated at Hanoi medical university hospital
Abstract
DOI: 10.53522/ytcc.vol11.03
Submitted date: 05 Apr 2025
Accepted date: 05 Sep 2025
Objectives: Type 2 diabetes is a growing public health concern, especially among the elderly. Understanding the nutritional status of this population is essential for effective disease management. This study describes the nutritional status and some related factors in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes at the National Hospital Of Endocrinology in 2023-2024.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 209 elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes receiving treatment at the Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics Department, National Hospital of Endocrinology.
Results: The average age was 70.63 (±6.64) years, with 54.07% being female. According to WHO classification, 19.62% were overweight, and 2.39% were obese. Based on the World Health Organization's Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) classification, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 24.88% and 22.01%, respectively. High waist circumference (WC) was found in 71.29% of participants. Overweight and obesity were significantly associated with comorbidities: patients with lipid metabolism disorders had a 2.07-fold higher risk (95% CI: 1.06–6.88, p<0.05), and those with cardiovascular disease/hypertension had a 2.21-fold higher risk (95% CI: 1.01–4.81, p<0.05). A slower eating pace was linked to a 0.34-fold lower risk of overweight/obesity (95% CI: 0.29–0.84, p<0.05).
Conclusion: Elderly diabetic patients had a high prevalence of overweight, obesity, and central adiposity, which were influenced by comorbidities and dietary habits. Targeted nutritional interventions were crucial for improving their health outcomes.