title: [Diabetes mellitus in the elderly].
abstract: The prevalence of Type II, non insulin dependent, diabetes mellitus of elderly people is high. A clinically relevant perturbation of the glucose metabolism is found in 11% of people aged over 64. The first therapeutic goal - slimming - is often not reached, and oral hypoglycaemic agents are frequently needed. When correctly used, they seldom cause side effects. If metabolic control improves insufficiently (fasting blood glucose depending on age greater than 8 to 11 mmol/l) insulin is indicated. Modern insulin delivery devices (pens) simplify the use of insulin considerably. Monitoring fasting blood glucose, or HbA1c in the case of insulin therapy is necessary every 2 or 3 months. During the regular consultations attention should be paid to blood pressure reading and inspection of the feet. The Dutch Society of Family Practitioners recently produced a handout to standardize the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus.
authors.affiliation: Academisch Ziekenhuis Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: van der Veen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents
vernacular_title: Diabetes mellitus bij ouderen.