J Korean Diabetes.  2018 Dec;19(4):200-207. 10.4093/jkd.2018.19.4.200.

Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Elderly

• Kim SK

• KMID: 2442358
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4093/jkd.2018.19.4.200

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.

Keyword

Diabetes mellitus; Elderly; Geriatric assessment

MeSH Terms

Accidental Falls
Aged*
Cardiovascular Diseases
Depression
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*
Geriatric Assessment
Humans
Hypoglycemia
Korea
Medical Overuse
Mortality, Premature
Polypharmacy
Urinary Incontinence

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Relationship between diabetes-related risk factors and geriatric syndrome in older people with diabetes. *Chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, etc.

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  Fig. 2 Functional categories of older people with diabetes and the focuse of treatment.

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