Hypoglycemia in Geriatric Patients with Diabetes: A Review

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of diabetes tends to be high, 42% of geriatric patients admitted have
a diabetes diagnosis, and 33% of these patients experience hypoglycemia. Hospitalization is
necessary for diabetic elderly individuals because their blood glucose levels make them
more vulnerable to other complications. The incidence of hypoglycemia in geriatric patients may
be caused by a variety of factors, including polypharmacy, pharmacokinetic and
pharmacodynamic changes, hormonal regulation disorders, food and water intake disturbances,
decreased intestinal absorption, and cognitive disorders, as well as other organ disorders that cause
disruption of the ability to metabolize antihyperglycemia.
Methods: This review will go over how frequently geriatricians, especially those with
diabetes, develop hypoglycemia as a result of using anti-diabetics or other medications that
lead to drop blood sugar.
Results: Sulfonylurea and insulin groups are the most frequent causes of hypoglycemia in
diabetic older people, according to the articles we analyzed. The significance of specific care
for the elderly population in order to lessen the effects of hypoglycemia.
Conclusions: For geriatric individuals with DM, routine blood glucose monitoring is advised
to prevent diabetic complications.