Multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of diabetes in the elderly

Abstract

Elderly patients living with diabetes are a highly heterogeneous population with unique care needs. Unlike younger patients, elderly patients may experience an atypical presentation and nontraditional complications of diabetes. Diabetes management and education require greater individualization in elderly adults because of differences in goals of care, risks and benefits of intensive treatment and abilities to practically carry out care regimens. A multidisciplinary approach to diabetes care requires an in-depth knowledge of diabetes, an awareness of geriatric issues and access to decision and educational support. This approach may be the most successful way of delivering individualized diabetes care. Future trials of diabetes care innovations in the elderly will be required to confirm the clinical benefits of this approach.