Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Elderly.

Kim,  Soo Kyung

doi:2018.19.4.200

J Korean Diabetes > Volume 19(4); 2018 > Article

Statement

The Journal of Korean Diabetes 2018;19(4):200-207.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/jkd.2018.19.4.200 Published online January 8, 2019.

고령화사회, 노인당뇨병 환자의 관리

김수경

Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Elderly.

Soo Kyung Kim

Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea. imdrksk@chollian.net

Abstract

In Korea, by 2060, the proportion of the elderly population will be 40.1%, and at least one in three persons will have diabetes. Elderly patients with diabetes mellitus have higher rates of premature death, functional disability, and coexisting illnesses such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease than those without diabetes. In addition, the risk of geriatric syndrome, such as depression, cognitive dysfunction, urinary incontinence, falls, pain, and polypharmacy, is much higher in those with diabetes. The functional status of each elderly person varies greatly, such that comprehensive geriatric assessments for medical, psychological, functional, and social domains are needed. The goals and methods of diabetes management should be individualized according to the results of these assessments. In the treatment of vulnerable elderly patients with diabetes, hypoglycemia or overtreatment should be avoided.

Key Words: Diabetes mellitus, Elderly, Geriatric assessment