[Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in type 2 diabetic elderly patient]

Abstract

The increase in prevalence and the particularities of care in old diabetic patients, which accumulate consequences of both, age and diabetes, the treatment must be well tolerated. The main adverse event is a hypoglycemia risk because of its major consequences for the elderly diabetic subjects. Since few years, three dipeptydil-peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4), for which some studies have included type 2 diabetic old subjects are available in Europe. Their efficiency and their tolerance do not differ significantly from those noted at the younger diabetics. The reduced risk of hypoglycemia and the absence of influence on the weight are two interesting arguments to use them in the old diabetic patients. It remains however necessary to realize studies led specifically to old and even oldest subjects, corresponding to those in daily practice. If the data on their tolerance is confirmed, it could intend to revise therapeutic target for the old diabetic patients.