PRACTICAL GUIDELINES ON THE USE OF INSULIN LISPRO IN ELDERLY DIABETIC-PATIENTS

Glucose tolerance deteriorates, and the prevalence of diabetes mellitu s increases, with advancing age. Most elderly diabetic patients have t ype 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus, but the prolonged sur vival of young people with type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitu s increases the prevalence of type 1 diabetes among the elderly. Appro ximately 25 to 29% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are treat ed with insulin. Conventional therapy with regular and intermediate-ac ting insulin preparations does not mimic physiological insulin secreti on. Subcutaneous administration of insulin lispro, a recently introduc ed insulin analogue, more closely mimics the time-action curve of endo genous insulin that is produced in response to meals. Its rapid onset and short duration of action allow for adequate control of postprandia l glucose levels while reducing the risk of late postprandial hypoglyc aemia. Insulin lispro offers improved glycaemic control, convenience a nd increased flexibility in insulin-treated patients with diabetes.