Diabetes self-management education for older adults: General principles and practical application

Abstract

Diabetes self-management education (DSME) for older adults is complicated by the high prevalence of medical comorbidities and declining functional status among this patient population. To adequately meet the DSME needs of older adults, DSME should be individualized, involve multiple disciplines, involve care partners when patients cannot assume full responsibility for their own self-care, and carefully weigh the potential effects of diabetes treatments on quality of life. This article presents pointers for effective DSME for older adults and a case study illustrating some of the particular challenges involved.