title: The older patient with diabetes: a practical approach.
abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is very prevalent among persons aged 60-80 years old. This population is expected to increase in number and is characterized by the presence of comorbidities, long standing diabetes, frailty, high rate of cognitive impairment and limited life expectancy. These characteristics have a significant impact on diabetes and treatment among the elderly, much as diabetes predisposes to these conditions. In this article we will describe mechanisms that may lead to insulin resistance and diabetes among the elderly and also how these conditions contribute to the development of frailty and cognitive impairment. Hypoglycemia and it's consequences are important considerations when planning the treatment of diabetes. Treatment options in light of new goals and the danger of hypoglycemia will be detailed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medicine C, Department of Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: Arie Ben
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Yehuda
authors.forename: Adar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zinger
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Durso
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D003226:Congresses as Topic; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000517:prevention & control; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008875:Middle Aged
keywords: elderly; hypoglycemia; type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)