With the growth in the general population and, consequently, in the elderly population, concerns about mental health and the quality of life of these individuals have also risen. Data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) suggest that, in 2019, approximately 463 million adults (20-79 years of age) have received a diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnosis. Among them, 1 in every 5 are elderly individuals. ^– According to the IDF, Brazil ranks 5^thin relation to the number of people diagnosed with DM.

A sedentary lifestyle and an unbalanced diet are among the main factors for the development of DM. Nonetheless, epidemiological studies, which search for associations between food consumption and DM, are limited. By contrast, eating standards based on the consumption of ultraprocessed foods and the greater intake of fresh fruits and vegetables has proven to be effective in both the prevention and management of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This diet standard, known as “Mediterranean”, is gaining ground, as it promotes healthy lifestyles and a high regard for seasonal foods.

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