S2k-Leitlinie Diagnostik, Therapie und Verlaufskontrolle des Diabetes mellitus im Alter: 2. Auflage 2018 – AWMF-Register-Nr. 057-017

Diabetes prevalence is over 30 % in the age group 80 years and older. In diagnostic and treatment of older people with type-1 and type-2 diabetes, age-specific features such as functional and cognitive deficits as well as comorbidities and aspects of polypharmacy must be taken into account. The S2k-guideline of the German Diabetes Association was developed together with six other medical societies (German Cardiac Society, German College of General Practitioners and Family Physicians, German Society for Geriatrics, German Society for Nutritional Medicine, German Society for Nursing Science, German Association for Palliative Medicine) and Patient Representation [DBW]): Main therapeutic goals in elderly diabetes patients are maintenance of quality of life and strict avoidance of acute complications (e.g. severe hypoglycemia). HbA1c goals consider both patients' preference and abilities. Age-specific features of diabetes medications must be taken into account, especially in the context of multimorbidity. The guideline describes in detail nursing aspects, interface management, pain therapy as well as frequent comorbidities in diabetes such as hypertension, frailty, sarcopenia, dementia, depression, end-of-life situations.