Drug Therapy of Elderly Diabetic Patients

Hong, Eun Gyoung

Abstract

The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes increases with age and almost 40% of men and more than 50% of women in Korean diabetic patients are over the age of 65. Recent clinical trials suggest that early intensive glycemic control reduces chronic complications associated with morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetic patients. The principles of management of type 2 diabetes in the elderly are not different from those in middle-aged patients. However, before initiating any form of glucose-lowering therapy in the elderly it is necessary to assess the patient overall health status, coexisting illnesses, social environment, psychological well-being and degree of cognitive function. Furthermore, it should be considered to keep glucose control on individualized target without the risk of hypoglycemia in elderly diabetic patients due to the more deleterious and serious conditions. The old and more recent oral glucose-lowering agents and insulins are effective in the elderly patient. The characteristics and side effects of diabetic agents should be carefully reviewed by clinician before starting any form of medication in the elderly.