Impact of frailty in older patients with diabetes mellitus: An overview

Diabetes and frailty are two conditions that frequently occur concurrently and are increasingly prevalent in the older patient. We review the concept, epidemiology and consequences of frailty, and the implications of the presence of frailty in the management of diabetes. Frailty is associated with d...

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Published inEndocrinologia y nutricion Vol. 63; no. 6; p. 291
Main Authors Cobo, Amelia, Vázquez, Luis A, Reviriego, Jesús, Rodríguez-Mañas, Leocadio
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Spain 01.06.2016
Subjects
Aged
Combined Modality Therapy
Comorbidity
Diabetes Mellitus - drug therapy
Diabetes Mellitus - epidemiology
Diabetes Mellitus - physiopathology
Diabetes Mellitus - therapy
Fatigue - epidemiology
Fatigue - etiology
Female
Frail Elderly
Humans
Hypoglycemic Agents - adverse effects
Male
Middle Aged
Muscle Weakness - diagnosis
Muscle Weakness - epidemiology
Patient Education as Topic
Physical Examination
Psychology
Quality of Life
Risk
Self Care
Thinness - epidemiology
Thinness - etiology
Weight Loss - drug effects
Fragilidad
Sarcopenia
Hyperglycemia
Hiperglucemia
Older people
Frailty
Diabetes
Personas mayores
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Summary:Diabetes and frailty are two conditions that frequently occur concurrently and are increasingly prevalent in the older patient. We review the concept, epidemiology and consequences of frailty, and the implications of the presence of frailty in the management of diabetes. Frailty is associated with decreased quality of life, a risk of falls, new or increased disability, hospitalization, and increased mortality. All of these factors affect the management of diabetes in older patients. It is important to rule out frailty in all diabetic patients aged >70 years; if frailty is suspected, a comprehensive and multidisciplinary medical and functional assessment of the patient should be conducted to develop an individualized treatment plan. This plan should include nutritional measures, physical activity, and education on self-care and diabetes; drugs should not be used without a clear indication. Antihyperglycemic drugs that may cause excessive weight loss and/or are associated with a high risk of hypoglycemia should be avoided.
ISSN:1579-2021
DOI:10.1016/j.endonu.2016.01.004