Importance of Geriatric Syndromes in Older Patients with Diabetes with de novo Insulin Treatment: The VEGAS Study

[Individualized diabetes therapy in older persons]

BACKGROUND

A majority of older people with type 2 diabetes are multimorbid, frail or have limitations in functions. Polypharmacotherapy is unfortunately a frequent occurrence and dangerous. In particular the administration of antihyperglycemic therapy must be carefully weighed up against the risks associated with hypoglycemia.

AIM

The conditions and characteristics of older persons with diabetes are highlighted with respect to the use of individualized therapy of diabetes.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The advantages and disadvantages of oral antidiabetic agents, insulins and substances with novel active principles, such as gliflozin drugs are discussed. Established oral therapeutic drugs, such as metformin as well as the new substance groups, such as gliptins are advantageous in this patient group. Injection-based therapies with glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) mimetics and the new insulins can also expand the spectrum of therapy if they are prudently used.