CLINICAL ASPECTS AND NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION IN AN ELDERLY PERSON WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease with a high prevalence, particularly among older adults, and may be associated with circulatory complications and the development of diabetic foot. This study aimed to analyze the clinical aspects and nutritional intervention in an older female patient with Diabetes Mellitus and peripheral circulatory complications through a case study. This is a descriptive and exploratory case study based on the analysis of clinical and hospital information from a 62-year-old female patient, 1.61 m tall, with a reported blood glucose level of 168 mg/dL. The patient presented an infected ulcer and necrosis in the left foot, requiring hospitalization, surgical procedures, amputation of the fourth and fifth toes, and subsequently, suprapatellar amputation of the left lower limb. During hospitalization, blood glucose levels ranging from 124 to 145 mg/dL were recorded, along with favorable clinical progress until hospital discharge. The patient accepted the diet provided and showed no signs of infection in the amputation stump at discharge. The findings demonstrate the complexity of diabetes management in older adults, particularly in the presence of vascular and infectious complications. In this context, individualized nutritional intervention is important for glycemic control, maintenance of nutritional status, and support for clinical recovery, and should be integrated into multidisciplinary care. It is concluded that nutritional care is essential in the management of older adults with diabetes, contributing to the prevention of complications and the promotion of quality of life and functional capacity.