title: [Various features of diabetes in the elderly].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Centre de Gériatrie du Bas-Valais Clinique St-Amé, 1890 St-Maurice.
authors.forename: Martial
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Coutaz
authors.forename: Jérôme
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Morisod
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans