[Problems in home medical care of elderly diabetics]

In recent years, reflecting our aging society, the prevalence in the elderly population of diabetics has been gradually increasing. In our hospital, 221 diabetics are registered, and 106 (45 males, 65 females) of whom are elderly patients above 65-years old. The support of family or medical care providers is necessary for patients who have difficulties in "self-management" of diabetes. The main causes of the problems in their home medical care are thought to be as follows: 1) poor glycemic control, 2) diabetic complications, 3) arteriosclerotic diseases, and 4) psychotic disorders (dementia). Hereafter, the number of elderly patients who require home health care or medical supports will increase. Now, we must tackle the important problem of the management of elderly diabetic patients through the induction of a "Long term care insurance system".