Considerations for the pharmacological treatment of diabetes in older adults

Abstract

Diabetes in older adults is a significant health problem in the United States, with > 20% prevalence and the prospect that this may continue to increase with the aging of the American population. There are several things to consider when planning treatment for diabetes in older adults. The physiology of diabetes in these patients involves impairment of basal glucose control, reduced prandial insulin secretion, and insulin resistance. Older adults are also at increased risk for hypoglycemia, so careful attention must be paid to minimize this risk.