Affiliation:
1. Masters of Pharmacy, Diabetes Lead Pharmacist, East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Eastbourne
Abstract
With older patients at an increased risk of hypoglyceamia from intensive treatments of insulin and sulfonylureas, Hannah Syed examines how a patient-centred holistic method must be undertaken for older people living with diabetes Intensive treatment with insulin and sulfonylureas in older people with low HbA1c (<53mmol/mol) can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia, morbidity and mortality. Older people, particularly those with frailty and/or comorbidities are less likely to benefit from the long-term protective effects of good glycaemic control and are often at risk of inappropriate polypharmacy. A person-centred holistic approach to diabetes management must be adapted for older people living with diabetes.