Management of diabetes in older adults

Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2018 Mar;28(3):206-218. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2017.11.007. Epub 2017 Dec 7.

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes prevalence is high in older adults and is expected to rise in the next decades. Diabetes in the population of frail older adults is accompanied by functional disability, several comorbidities, and premature mortality. A comprehensive geriatric assessment, including functional, cognitive, mental and social status, is advisable for identifying the glycemic targets and glucose-lowering therapies, focused on patient preferences, needs, and risks. The therapeutic options for older adults with diabetes are like those for the adult population. However, the pharmacological treatments must be carefully prescribed and monitored, taking into consideration the patient cognitive capacities, the potentially life-threatening drug-drug interactions, the cardiovascular risk, and with the main goal of avoiding hypoglycemia. Also, a careful nutritional evaluation with appropriate tools, as well as a balanced and periodically monitored physical activity, contribute to an effective tailored care plan, as needed by older adults with diabetes. This review evaluates the currently available hypoglycemic drugs and the current indications to the Italian diabetology community, specifically with regard to the treatment of adults aged 75 years or older with diabetes, including the unmet needs by the guidelines.

Keywords: Antidiabetic drugs; Hypoglycemia; Older adults; Personalized medicine; Type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / psychology
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Blood Glucose / drug effects*
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Cognition
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diagnosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / psychology
  • Drug Interactions
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / chemically induced
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / adverse effects
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Mental Health
  • Nutritional Status
  • Patient-Centered Care*
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Blood Glucose
  • Hypoglycemic Agents