Due to increased life expectancy and lifestyle changes, the prevalence of diabetes among the elderly in Korea is continuously rising, as is the associated public health burden. Diabetes management in elderly patients is complicated by age-related physiological changes, sarcopenia characterized by loss of muscle mass and function, comorbidities, and varying levels of functional, cognitive, and mobility abilities that lead to frailty. Moreover, elderly patients with diabetes frequently face multiple chronic conditions that elevate their risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and mortality; they are also prone to complications such as hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, diabetic ketoacidosis, and severe hypoglycemia. This review examines the characteristics of and management approaches for diabetes in the elderly, and advocates for a comprehensive yet personalized strategy.
Keyphrases
- type diabetes
- cardiovascular disease
- community dwelling
- glycemic control
- middle aged
- public health
- risk factors
- end stage renal disease
- insulin resistance
- cardiovascular events
- ejection fraction
- chronic kidney disease
- physical activity
- metabolic syndrome
- papillary thyroid
- weight loss
- peritoneal dialysis
- prognostic factors
- coronary artery disease
- adipose tissue
- early onset
- wound healing
- childhood cancer