Ziabetus Shakari (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) in Elderly and its Dietary Management

Ziabetus Shakari (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) in Elderly and its Dietary Management Azeez Rizwana A.1*, Mohammad Khan Sherwani A.2, Hafeel M.3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17511/ijphr.2015.i1.01 1* Abdul Azeez Rizwana, PG scholar, Department of Tahaffuzi wa Samaji Tib, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. 2 Arish Mohammad Khan Sherwani, Reader, Department of Tahaffuzi wa Samaji Tib, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. 3 Mohamed Hafeel, PG scholar, Department of Moalijat, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.


Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is an important public health problem, worldwide. The global increase in the prevalence of diabetes is due to population growth, ageing, urbanization, an increase of obesity and physical inactivity [1,2]. Globally, the number of people with diabetes will more than double over the next 25  There is also dominance of Rutoobate Ghareeba (abnormal metabolic product). In this period, there is an insidious decline in organ functions. Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of adverse health outcomes in elderly [7,8].
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is closely related to lifestyle factors including diet, physical activities, alcohol and smoking as well as obesity and a family history of diabetes. Available data suggest that diet is the main culprit [2,9,10].
Change in dietary habits and dietetics have a greater potential to improve type 2 diabetes, because many persons with type 2 diabetes are overweight and insulin resistant, medical nutrition therapy should emphasize lifestyle changes which result in reduced energy intake and increased energy expenditure through physical activity [9,11].
Greco-Arab and Islamic healers treated patients through a scheme starting with physiotherapy and diet; if this failed, drugs were used. Rhazes's treatment scheme started with diet therapy, he noted that "if the physician is able to treat with foodstuffs, not medication, then he has succeeded" [12].
According to Unani physicians, old age is dominancy of buroodat and yaboosat, (cold and dry) therefore

Tadabeer e Ghiza, (Dietotherapy) Musakkin and
Murattib (demulcent and moiture) diets advocated [33]. According to their lesser digestion and to their physical strength the aged should be served with small amount of food at a time and thus fed two to three times a day [13].

Diet and dietary habits among elderly
Some of the physical changes of ageing affect food patterns. For example, secretion of digestive juices and motility of gastrointestinal muscles gradually decrease. This causes decreased absorption and use of nutrients. Also decreased taste, smell, and vision affect appetite, and individuals eat less [25,30].
The primary nutrition problem of older adults is lack of sufficient nourishment. Each older adult has specific needs [30].
According to their digestion and to their physical strength the old people should be served with small amount of food at a time and thus fed two or three times a day [13].  [14].
Tadabeer e Ghiza, according to Unani physicians, in old age there is dominancy of buroodat and yaboosat, therefore musakkin and murattib (demulcent and moiture) diet should be advocated for elderly people [33].

The food therapy is an important part of Traditional
Medicine, it not only nourishes and strengthens the body, but it can also prevent diseases and prolongs life [14]. According to the mizaj of old person, it is to adopt both moistening and warming foods and drinks in their diet. They should avoid any heavy food which produces black bile and phlegm and similarly avoid any hot, pungent, and desiccant food, such as kawa-mikh (some kind of sauce and pickles). Milk is good for them because it is nutritious and humectants. Care should be taken that be pasturage is free of astringent, pungent, sour or very salty herbs [13].
Beets and little leek, these should be spiced with olive oil and vinegar. Garlic is useful to old person if it is taken occasionally provided they are accustomed to it.  [Crossref]