Management of diabetes mellitus in the elderly.
Publication/Presentation Date
4-1-2011
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Description of management of diabetes in elderly.
RECENT FINDINGS: Population of older adults is growing and so is the prevalence of diabetes in elderly individuals. Older adults are a heterogeneous group of individuals with varying physical capabilities, cognitive functioning and co-morbidities and life expectancies. Also, older adults with diabetes are at increased risk for some geriatric conditions. Thus, clinicians taking care of elderly with diabetes must take this into consideration and prioritize treatment accordingly.
SUMMARY: Goals of diabetes care in elderly and younger adults are alike, though managing diabetes in elderly requires individualized approach. Fit elderly with life expectancy over 10 years should have HbA1c target similar to younger adults, whereas in frail elderly with multiple co-morbidities, the goal should somewhat be higher. Pharmacological treatment options are similar to younger adults and avoidance of hypoglycemia is an important consideration in choosing therapeutic agents in elderly. Evaluation and treatment of microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes in elderly must also be individualized.
Volume
18
Issue
2
First Page
148
Last Page
152
ISSN
1752-2978
Published In/Presented At
Chiniwala, N., & Jabbour, S. (2011). Management of diabetes mellitus in the elderly. Current opinion in endocrinology, diabetes, and obesity, 18(2), 148–152. https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0b013e3283444ba0
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
21522002
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article