[Diabetes mellitus in the elderly]

Abstract

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and glucose intolerance increases with advancing age. Age-related changes in glucose intolerance in non-diabetic subjects are primarily observed in postprandial blood glucose levels with only small changes in fasting levels. Age-related adjustment in the goals of treatment is much more important than that in diagnostic criteria. A careful assessment of the current medical status and consideration of remaining life expectancy are important in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus. Elderly patients with diabetes mellitus can be divided into two subgroups: elderly age-at-onset and younger age-at-onset groups. Diabetes in the former category is usually mild whereas patients in the latter category often suffer from chronic diabetic complications. It is important to assess the current status of patients relative to these categories and adjust the treatment of diabetes mellitus relative to current medical status of patients.