[Specific aspects of diabetes management in the elderly]

More than two-thirds of all diabetics in Germany are older than 60, and a considerable number with multimorbidity and functional disorders must be considered "geriatric patients". Geriatric syndromes (e.g. intellectual decline, immobility, incontinence and instability) appear to be closely interrelated to diabetes in the old patient. By achieving close-to-normal control of blood sugar, geriatric syndromes can also be improved. In the case of geriatric diabetics, certain peculiarities in terms of diet, instruction, pharmacotherapy and compliance must receive consideration. In addition to the reduction of sequelae and concomitant diseases, an improvement in quality of life achieved by prolonging the impairment-free intervals is the main therapeutic aim in the elderly patient.