Part Four: Identifying, Managing, and Preventing Adverse Effects of Diabetes Medications

Background An 81-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes, residing in a long-term care facility, has experienced a fall after medication changes, and a few days of irregular eating. Assessment This patient may be experiencing one or more common potential adverse events related to her diabetes medications. There is a need to create individualized treatment goals in this case. Outcome After a revision of treatment goals for hypertension and diabetes, and adjustments to the medication regimen, there have been no subsequent falls and this patient reports that she feels better. Conclusion As the person with diabetes ages, quality of life should be considered when setting treatment goals. Older people can be more at risk for adverse effects of medications to treat diabetes, so a clinician should be vigilant in the identification, management, and prevention of such adverse events. Inter-professional communication is key to the safe and effective treatment of diabetes.