Korean J Geriatr Gerontol.  2019 Dec;20(2):39-45. 10.15656/kjcg.2019.20.2.39.

What is the Most Appropriate Hypoglycemic Agent for Older Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?

• Kim SK

• KMID: 2566444
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15656/kjcg.2019.20.2.39

Abstract

By 2067, the proportion of the elderly population in Korea will be 46.5%, at least one in three older people will have diabetes. Compared to young patients with diabetes, elderly diabetes patients have higher rates of various comorbidities including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and geriatric syndrome. Functional status varies greatly among elderly diabetes patients. The prime goal of treatment for elderly diabetes patients is to maintain quality of life and functional capacity. Along with lowering the plasma glucose concentration, patient-centered establishment of goal of care is also foremost. In the treatment of vulnerable elderly patients with diabetes, hypoglycemia or overtreatment should be extremely cautious. In this paper, I aim to review and discuss the target of glycemic control and the pros and cons of each hypoglycemic agent in population of elderly diabetes patients.

Keyword

Diabetes mellitus; Elderly; Hypoglycemic agents