[Type 2 diabetes in the elderly, which specific features?]

Rev Med Interne. 2012 Oct;33(10):575-9. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2012.06.001. Epub 2012 Jul 4.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes, whose prevalence has increased among elderly aged over 75 years, has a number of specific features which differ from that in young people: heterogeneous population, association with other cardiovascular risk factors and several comorbidities, different therapeutic constraints and risks, and lower life expectancy. By using a standardized geriatric assessment it is possible to determine therapeutic and glycemic goals for each patient. In the elderly, main complications of diabetes are hypoglycemia and foot lesions. In order to avoid malnutrition, lifestyle and dietary rules should not be too strict. Recommendations for the prescription of oral antidiabetic agents are the same for both elderly and young subjects, but with increased monitoring in the elderly because of the high risk of complications including iatrogenic hypoglycemia. Insulin therapy should be preferred.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged*
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / metabolism
  • Aging / physiology
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Diabetes Complications / epidemiology
  • Diabetes Complications / etiology
  • Diabetes Complications / therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diagnosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / epidemiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Individuality

Substances

  • Blood Glucose