Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the elderly

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is expected to increase gradually with the prolongation of population aging and life expectancy. In addition to macrovascular and microvascular complications of elderly patients of diabetes mellitus, geriatric syndromes such as cognitive impairment, depression, urinary incontinence, falling and polypharmacy are also accompanied by aging. Individual functional status in the elderly shows heterogeneity so that in these patients, there are many unanswered questions about the management of diabetes treatment. The goals of diabetes treatment in elderly patients include hyperglycemia and risk factors, as in younger patients. comorbid diseases and functional limitations of individuals should be taken into consideration when setting treatment targets. Thus, treatment should be individualized. In the treatment of diabetes in vulnerable elderly patients, hypoglycemia, hypotension, and drug interactions due to multiple drug use should be avoided. Since it also affects the ability to self-care in these patients, management of other concurrent medical conditions is also important.