Type 2 Diabetes and Mediterranean Diet in Older Adults: a Brief Review of the Evidence

Mediterranean diet is a traditional, plant-based dietary pattern extensively studied for its favorable health effects. In relation to type 2 diabetes (T2D), higher adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with a lower risk for incidence of diabetes, better glycemic control, and improvements in cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients. Interestingly, most of the studies on the relationship between T2D and adherence to the Mediterranean diet have focused on younger people, whereas the available evidence in older adults (≥ 60 years old) is limited. In this age group, the quality of the diet may be affected by factors that are associated with aging, including cognitive decline, whereas T2D has been associated with an elevated risk of cognitive deficits. More studies are needed in this age group in order to further investigate the potentially crucial role of T2D and glycemic control on cognition and their relationship with Mediterranean diet and to define the underlying mechanisms. In any case, healthcare professionals should educate older adults in adopting the basic principles of the Mediterranean diet or of other plant-based dietary patterns, as a diet promoting cognitive and cardiovascular health.