Obesity and type-2 diabetes in the elderly.
Type-2 diabetes is common in the elderly and when compounded by obesity presents a major challenge for the physician. Obesity plays a central role in the aetiology and pathogenesis of type-2 diabetes. Body weight is determined by an interaction between genetic, environmental and psychosocial factors acting through the physiological mediators of energy intake and expenditure. Obesity is thought to predispose to type-2 diabetes primarily by causing insulin resistance. Education and changes in lifestyle remain the key issues in obesity management. Anti-obesity drugs may delay the onset of diabetes but there is limited experience of their use in elderly patients. Obesity should not be viewed as a cosmetic problem that affects a few individuals, but a major health hazard that is both preventable and amenable to treatment.
Dewan
Shivani
S
Department of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Centre, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, UK.
Wilding
John P H
JP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000235:genetics; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors