Comprehensive Approach for Managing the Older Person with Diabetes Mellitus

Care of the elderly population with diabetes may not be restricted to the management of hyperglycemia, associated risk factors, and specific diabetic complications. An integrated approach should also include the assessment and management of gerontological problems. Both diabetes mellitus and aging interact toward the direction of the increased incidence of geriatric syndromes. Education is a common element of both diabetes control and geriatric syndrome care. However, it has been perceived that conventional education programs for diabetics are not as effective for the elderly. We have designed geriatric reinforced education (GRE) for application in older diabetics with geriatric syndromes. We observed that the application of GRE improved the glucose control and the status of geriatric syndromes in older adults with diabetes. In summary, in terms of integrating the care of coexisting diabetes and geriatric problems, GRE may be a beneficial tool for the management of older adults with diabetes.