ABSTRACT
Research in geriatric nutrition indicates that there is a dynamic relationship between diet and disease. While it has long been known that diet influences the course of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and weight loss, more cancer and osteoporosis have been implicated as diet-related conditions. Since cancer cachexia accounts for almost half of malnutrition cases in older, institutionalized adults, let’s focus on side effects of cancer therapy. Individualized diet counseling, and assessment of individual progress toward nutritional goals with qualified health care professionals, assure of meeting this achievement. The correlation between diet and diabetes management has been well-documented. Poor diet intake and a sedentary activity level only partially explain the problems of oral intake and energy usage. Principles of diet therapy in the treatment of diabetes concentrate on covering the peak of insulin activity and preventing hypoglycemia during sleep. A registered dietitian should be consulted to instruct the individual and/or family about the diet order.
