Introduction & Objective: Dietetics guidelines recommend adults with T1D are referred to nutrition counseling for individualization of an eating plan. We characterized the extent to which older adults receive nutrition counseling and how important they perceive it to be.
Methods: Adults (≥65 yrs) with T1D receiving care in a university-affiliated hospital system completed a one-time electronic survey (Sept- Nov 2023). Respondents reported history of nutrition education/counseling and perceived importance on a scale of 1-10 (low -> high) and provided suggestions to support nutrition among older adults with T1D.
Results: Data from 77 older adults were analyzed (45.5% male, 93.5% non-Hispanic White; mean age 71.3±4.1 yrs; diabetes duration 33.5 ± 18.1 yrs; HbA1c 6.8 ± 1.1%). The range of most recent nutrition counseling varied (Figure). The perceived importance was rated ≤5/10 by 67.9% of respondents and was highest among those with higher BMI and more disordered eating behaviors (DEPS-R score), with no differences by age, gender, disease duration, or HbA1c. Free responses underscored the need for easy and specific meal suggestions, to account for age-related difficulties, and increased peer support.
Conclusion: There are opportunities to increase awareness for and utilization of evidence-based nutrition counseling for older adults with T1D, incorporating age-relevant guidance and peer support.
A. Kahkoska: None. J. Sprinkles: None. N.R. Gopisetty: None. G. Ercolino: None. R. Muthukkumar: None. X. Qu: None. L.A. Young: Research Support; Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and Company, vTv Therapeutics, Beta Bionics, Inc., Corcept Therapeutics, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bayer Inc., Jaeb Center for Health Research. E.J. Mayer-Davis: None. A. Fruik: None. A. Cristello Sarteau: None.
National Institutes of Health (DK056350); National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health (K12TR004416)
