[Specific needs in the care of elderly with diabetes mellitus]

The management of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the elderly is a complex process. In the perspective of improving glycemic control and postponing complications, lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) are often prescribed. Pharmacologic intervention is common and must be accompanied with adequate teaching on drug and hypoglycaemia management. Ideally, this process is multidisciplinary and objectives must be shared by all members of the diabetic team. The transmission and application of diabetic management strategies must be adapted to each individual in the context of his limits and capacities. Even in presence of interventions to control glycaemia, blood pressure and lipids, the micro and macro vascular complications are still very frequent in elderly patients with DM. Vascular interventions such as percutaneous arterial angioplasty and/or arterial bypass are frequently proposed even in very old diabetic patients. These patients are still at high risk of lower limb amputation with subsequent dramatic alteration in functional status and mortality. We will attempt to make a brief overview of the very diverse needs observed in older diabetic patients.