Diabetes in Older Adults: A Consensus Report

Abstract

M ore than 25% of the U.S. population aged 65 years has diabetes mellitus (hereafter referred to as diabetes), 1 and the aging of the overall population is a significant driver of the diabetes epidemic. Although the burden of diabetes is often described in terms of its impact on working-age adults, diabetes in older adults is linked to higher mortality, reduced functional status, and increased risk of institutionalization. 2 Older adults with diabetes are at substantial risk for both acute and chronic microvascular and cardiovascular complications of the disease.