Management Strategies for Older Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

More than 30% of the Korean population aged ≥ 65 years has diabetes. Elderly patients with diabetes mellitus are more likely to have comorbidities and often suffer co-morbid cognitive and physical disabilities, depression, and polypharmacy. Older patients with diabetes and good health status can be treated in the same way as younger patients with diabetes. Treatment should be individualized and simplified as much as possible for patients with reduced functionality and comorbidity. The goal of glycemic control in elderly diabetic patients is to control symptoms of hyperglycemia, prevent hypoglycemic events, delay the occurrence of complications, and help patients maintain healthy lives.