Effective clinical practice for older people with type 2 diabetes. Glucose regulation is important but other strategies also need to be included.

Abstract

A modern healthcare system that delivers high quality diabetes care for older people requires integrated care between primary and community diabetes care professionals, hospital specialists (diabetologists and geriatricians) and other members of the health care team. This should have a multi-dimensional approach with an emphasis on prevention of diabetes and its complications, and early intervention strategies for vascular disease. There has also been a recent emphasis on the comprehensive assessment of disability due to lower limb dysfunction, eye disease and stroke with a consequent need to promote well-being and a normal life expectancy. This poses great challenges on health professionals in terms of their capacity and the acquisition of skill sets to deliver meaningful outcome targets. This is exacerbated by a growing prevalence of diabetes worldwide and the additional need for primary and secondary prevention of diabetes.