Acute diseases in seniors suffering from diabetes significantly influence their nutritional status which is one of the factors participating in the development of acute hyperglycaemic decompen-sation of diabetes or hypoglycaemia. Inadequately compensated diabetes in seniors is conversely associated with nutritional disorders and the patient is at greater risk of an acute intercurrent disease. Ensuring optimal nutrition in old diabetics is one of the basic provisions in the treatment of intercurrent acute disease.

        Key words: Acute disease - Diabetes mellitus - Senior - Nutrition