Resumen de Diabetes in the elderly

Ahmed H. Abdelhafiz, Alan J. Sinclair

• The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing and the epidemiology is shifting towards old age due to the increased life expectancy. As a result, diabetes mellitus is increasingly becoming a disease of older age rather than middle age. Care for older people with diabetes presents unique challenges. The increased prevalence of co-morbidities associated with ageing combined with the increased prevalence of geriatric syndromes contributes to the complexity of managing diabetes in the elderly. Taking into account the heterogeneous functional status, co-morbidities and life expectancy of older people, therapeutic interventions and glycaemic targets should be individualized, considering patients' preferences and putting quality of life at the heart of their care plans. This chapter addresses the key areas for the care of older people with diabetes and their complex needs.