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Diabetes mellitus in older persons
The Medical Clinics of North America
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Aging impairs glucose tolerance due to debated insulin issues. Good blood glucose control in older adults reduces risks of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive dysfunction, improving overall health.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Mechanisms of impaired glucose tolerance during aging are debated, focusing on insulin secretion versus action.
- Extrinsic factors like diet, medication, activity, illness, and stress significantly modify glycemic levels in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the significance of impaired glucose tolerance in aging.
- To highlight the benefits of good blood glucose control in the elderly population.
Main Methods:
- Review of retrospective studies on glycemic control in the elderly.
- Discussion of therapeutic approaches for managing diabetes in older adults.
Main Results:
- Good glycemic control is associated with reduced risks of stroke, cardiovascular disease, visual impairment, nephropathy, infections, and cognitive dysfunction.
- Improved glucose control also mitigates nocturia, polyuria, and hypovolemia.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic strategies for older adults involve diet, exercise, oral agents, and insulin.
- Newer oral agents with lower hypoglycemia risk facilitate tighter glycemic control in the elderly.