Time to modification of antidiabetic therapy in patients over the age of 65 years with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease that, together with high blood pressure and other noncommunicable diseases (such as cardiovascular diseases), is among the leading causes of mortality in Latin America and the world [1 –2]. The frequency of T2DM is increasing worldwide, and its prevalence increases with age, exceeding 18% after 65 years of age [3–5]. T2DM is characterized by peripheral insulin resistance and a progressive deterioration of pancreatic β-cell function [6]. Its treatment involves important lifest yle changes that include weight reduction, adequate physical activity, proper nutrition and different medications to help control glucose through various mechanisms related to the pathophysiology of the disease [7–8].
Source: Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Source Type: research