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The number of older adults across the globe is on the rise. Mexico, like other countries in the Latin American region, has witnessed this change in its population. Although the life expectancy has steadily increased over the past three generations, the prevalence and incidence of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, has followed a similar pattern. In Mexico, diabetes has been declared a public health priority since its treatment, especially the one focused on diabetes-related complications, represents an immense burden on health systems. The management of diabetes is far more complex in older adults when compared to younger individuals. Problems such as multiple comorbidities as well as the presence of “geriatric syndromes” clearly increase the probability of worse adverse health-related outcomes for the elderly. Hence, it is Paramount to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the progressive increase of older adults living with diabetes as well as the challenges that the aging process imposes on the population. The poor influence that the geriatric evaluation has on the management of chronic conditions in older adults is a cold truth. This also applies to diabetes management. Nonetheless, there is increasing recognition of the impact that age-related changes have on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. All medical specialties should take into account such changes since this is a vital component for the adequate management of older adults.

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2017-06-08   |   250 visitas   |   Evalua este artículo 0 valoraciones

Vol. 3 Núm.1. Enero-Junio 2017 Pags. 2-3 J Lat Am Geriatric Med 2017; 3(1)