[Treatment of type 2 diabetes in elderly patients].

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes is a disease which occurs more frequently with increasing age and is particularly influenced by the lifestyle of those affected in addition to a genetic disposition and age-related alterations.

AIM

The purpose of this article is to discuss the evidence for special characteristics of the therapy of type 2 diabetes in elderly patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study is based on a literature survey and the guidelines of the"Deutsche Diabetes-Gesellschaft" (DDG, German Diabetes Society).

RESULTS

There is increasingly more awareness of diabetes in advanced age not least due to the expected demographic changes. The therapeutic options in older patients with diabetes must be assessed depending on the achievable targets of therapy and comorbidities, in particular limited renal function.