J Korean Diabetes.  2011 Dec;12(4):205-210. 10.4093/jkd.2011.12.4.205.

Drug Therapy of Elderly Diabetic Patients

• Mok JO

• KMID: 2059853
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4093/jkd.2011.12.4.205

Abstract

The elderly population has recently increased significantly, and therefore the number of elderly patients with diabetes is also rapidly increasing. There are many physical, mental, and societal differences among elderly diabetic patients. Therefore, before initiating any form of glucose-lowering therapy in the elderly, it is necessary to assess overall patient health status, coexisting illnesses, the social environment, and degree of cognitive function. The elderly may also be at increased risk of adverse events, particularly hypoglycemia, during drug therapy for glucose control. Glucose control should remain an individualized target while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia in elderly diabetic patients. This article summarizes treatment options with respect to oral glucose-lowering agents and insulins that are effective in elderly patients.

Keyword

Drug therapy; Aged; Diabetes mellitus

MeSH Terms

Aged
Diabetes Mellitus
Glucose
Humans
Hypoglycemia
Insulin
Insulins
Social Environment
Glucose
Insulin
Insulins

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