Diabetes Management in Older Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease

• Published in: Current diabetes reports 2019-03, Vol.19 (3), p.11-11, Article 11
• Main Authors: Clemens, Kristin K., O’Regan, Niamh, Rhee, Jinnie J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Chronic illnesses; Diabetes; Diabetes Complications - complications; Diabetes Complications - therapy; Diabetic Nephropathies - complications; Diabetic Nephropathies - therapy; Glucose; Humans; Hypoglycemia; Hypoglycemic Agents - therapeutic use; Kidney diseases; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Microvascular Complications—Nephropathy (M Afkarian and B Roshanravan; Monitoring, Physiologic; Older people; Precision Medicine; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic - complications; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic - therapy; Section Editors; Topical Collection on Microvascular Complications—Nephropathy
• ISSN: 1534-4827; 1539-0829; 1539-0829
• DOI: 10.1007/s11892-019-1128-3

Purpose of Review Older adults often live with chronic disease including diabetes and its complications. In this review, we examine the complexity and heterogeneity of older adults with diabetes and chronic kidney disease, explore the nuances in their diabetes-related monitoring, and discuss their best diabetes management. Recent Findings Although there remains an overall lack of studies in older adults with diabetes and chronic kidney disease, recent reports have highlighted their vulnerabilities. These individuals face an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, frailty, dysglycemia, polypharmacy, declining kidney function, and acute kidney injury. Their diabetes management should focus upon safer antihyperglycemic medications, close monitoring, and care individualization. Summary Older adults with diabetes and chronic kidney disease are a complex population who requires careful diabetes management and monitoring. Research efforts might focus on improving the care and outcomes of these patients.