Management Strategies for Older Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Kim, Won Jun

doi:2024.25.3.157

J Korean Diabetes > Volume 25(3); 2024 > Article

Focused Issue

The Journal of Korean Diabetes 2024;25(3):157-164.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/jkd.2024.25.3.157 Published online September 30, 2024.

노인당뇨병의 관리 전략

김원준

울산대학교 의과대학 강릉아산병원 내분비내과

Management Strategies for Older Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Won Jun Kim

Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea

Correspondence: Won Jun Kim,
Email: kozmozman@naver.com

Received: 8 August 2024 • Accepted: 19 August 2024

Abstract

More than 30% of the Korean population aged ≥ 65 years has diabetes. Elderly patients with diabetes mellitus are more likely to have comorbidities and often suffer co-morbid cognitive and physical disabilities, depression, and polypharmacy. Older patients with diabetes and good health status can be treated in the same way as younger patients with diabetes. Treatment should be individualized and simplified as much as possible for patients with reduced functionality and comorbidity. The goal of glycemic control in elderly diabetic patients is to control symptoms of hyperglycemia, prevent hypoglycemic events, delay the occurrence of complications, and help patients maintain healthy lives.

Key Words: Aged, Diabetes mellitus, Therapeutics