[Diabetes education in elderly patients to maintain quality of life]

Abstract

The purpose of diabetes education in the elderly is to improve metabolic control and to maintain the quality of life. Diet should be weighted on maintenance of nutritional balance rather than energy restrictions. Simple dietary education program including point-to-point advices may be effective in elderly individuals. Resistance exercise as well as aerobic exercise should be recommended for prevention of atherosclerotic disease, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and depression and for glycemic control. Self-monitoring blood glucose is an important measure to cope with hypoglycemia or sick days. In case of unstable dietary intake, sliding rules of insulin dose should be instructed to patients and their families. Psychological support is essential to patients and their caregivers who support diabetic patients having dementia, depression, and disabilities.