title: Oral antidiabetic drug use in the elderly.
abstract: Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is a metabolic disease that is common in the elderly, and is characterised by insulin insufficiency and resistance. Measures such as bodyweight reduction and exercise improve the metabolic defects, but pharmacological therapy is the most frequently used and successful therapy. The sulphonylureas stimulate insulin secretion. Metformin and troglitazone increase glucose disposal and decrease hepatic glucose output without causing hypoglycaemia. Acarbose is a dietary aid that spreads the dietary carbohydrate challenge to endogenous insulin over time. These pharmacological agents, either alone or in combination, should improve blood glucose regulation in patients with NIDDM.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, USA.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bressler
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents