[Guideline for the treatment of the elderly with diabetes mellitus]

Abstract

The evidenced based guideline for the treatment of the elderly with diabetes mellitus was recently announced by the Japan Diabetes Society (JDS). The guideline states that the diagnosis of diabetes should be made in principle using the criteria established by the JDS. In the treatment of diabetes and associated complications, it is essential that appropriate treatment of diet therapy, physical exercise, oral hypoglycemic agent and/or insulin therapy be used, even in the elderly diabetic. This approach serves to improve glycemic control as well as to prevent the development and/or progression of diabetic microangiopathic and atherosclerotic diseases. Taking into account quality of life, safe and acceptable treatments should be considered in the elderly whose physiological, functional and socio-psychological abilities are known to decrease with advancing age.