Journal of Korean Diabetes  2018;19(4):200-207

doi:10.4093/jkd.2018.19.4.200

Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Elderly.

Soo Kyung KIM 1

Affiliations

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Keywords

Diabetes mellitus; Elderly; Geriatric assessment

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

In Korea, by 2060, the proportion of the elderly population will be 40.1%, and at least one in three persons will have diabetes. Elderly patients with diabetes mellitus have higher rates of premature death, functional disability, and coexisting illnesses such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease than those without diabetes. In addition, the risk of geriatric syndrome, such as depression, cognitive dysfunction, urinary incontinence, falls, pain, and polypharmacy, is much higher in those with diabetes. The functional status of each elderly person varies greatly, such that comprehensive geriatric assessments for medical, psychological, functional, and social domains are needed. The goals and methods of diabetes management should be individualized according to the results of these assessments. In the treatment of vulnerable elderly patients with diabetes, hypoglycemia or overtreatment should be avoided.