Various features of diabetes in the elderly
Coutaz, M.; Morisod, J.ér.ôm.
Revue Medicale de la Suisse Romande 123(11): 677-678
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-3655 PMID: 15095632 Document Number: 564157
Diabetes mellitus, a common condition in older persons, is caused by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Treatment objectives in older diabetic patient will be based on an individualized approach, the target goals varying with life-limiting comorbid illness, cognitive or functional impairments. Appropriate therapeutic goals are to avoid symptomatic hyperglycemic episodes and acute metabolic decompensation, as well as severe hypoglycemia in frail patients, while nutritional restriction should be minimized to prevent these patients' quality of life.