THE OLDER ADULT WITH DIABETES

Like their younger counterparts, older adults with diabetes need indiv idualized treatment and educational programs based on personal glucose goals. Although most of the tools and therapies available to younger adults are also appropriate for the elderly, additional considerations and strategies are needed to meet the needs of this population for wh om diabetes is a frequent and serious problem. To be effective, the th erapeutic approach needs to take into consideration the aging process, other health problems, and the functional, psychosocial, cultural, an d educational status of each patient. Along with these considerations, this article provides an overview of the treatment of diabetes for th is age group and offers strategies for working with older adults. Copy right (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.