Current Trend of Nutrigenomics of Geriatric Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) is a growing burden in the global public health and economic systems. Older adults are more than two times predisposed to T2DM and they are more likely to develop T2DM-related complications. A complex interaction of genes, diet and environment is a key factor in the development of this chronic metabolic disorder. With nutrigenomics, researchers are beginning to understand this interaction. This review aims at examining gene-diet relationships concerning T2DM as well as the applications and potential of nutrigenomics in managing geriatric type 2 diabetes. Several genome-wide association studies have documented susceptibility genes for T2DM. Among these genes are TCFL2, PPARGγ, CAP 10, ADBR3, DPARGCIA, and ENPP genes. Several bioactive compounds in foods have also been shown to act as switches on T2DM susceptibility genes, aiding in the progression or inhibition of the disease. These findings have helped in developing nutritional recommendations that are relevant to the management of T2DM particularly in carriers of these susceptibility genes. In this comprehensive review, the current trends, and prospects of nutrigenomics as an intervention for geriatric diabetes is explained.