Past Series: Addressing Common Geriatric Syndromes Associated with Diabetes

About

Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased prevalence and incidence of geriatric syndrome: functional disabilities, depression, fall, urinary incontinence, malnutrition, and cognitive impairment. Health centers need to gain knowledge on key components of managing diabetes in the older adult population with other medical comorbidities, and improve their glycemic control while maintaining quality of life.

NCECE hosted a four-session Learning Collaborative to discuss the unique characteristic of older adults with diabetes in goal setting, risk of hypoglycemia and its complications, geriatric syndromes, and effective strategies including how to simplify complex insulin regimens. 

Session Topics and Objectives

The four sessions covered a variety of topics and objectives, including:

Session 1: Unique Challenges and Clinical Characteristics of Older Adults with Diabetes
  1. Discuss heterogeneity of older population with diabetes
  2. Discuss challenges of managing diabetes in different setting such as home, assisted care facilities, and nursing homes
  3. Discuss why A1c should not be used as sole parameter to develop glycemic goals in older adults
  4. Discuss importance of avoiding hypoglycemia
  5. Discuss how to establish goals for older adults with diabetes

Session 2Managing Diabetes in Older Adults with Cognitive Dysfunction

  1. Discuss clinical presentation of older adult with coexisting diabetes and cognitive dysfunction
  2. Discuss screening tools that can be used in clinical settings
  3. Discuss strategies to improve care in older adults with coexisting diabetes and cognitive dysfunction

Session 3Managing Diabetes in Older Adults with Depression, Polypharmacy, and Functional Impairment

  1. Discuss clinical presentation of older adult with diabetes and coexisting geriatric syndrome conditions
  2. Provide screening tools that can be used to identify at risk patients
  3. Discuss strategies to manage diabetes in older adults with geriatric syndrome

Session 4Effective Strategies and Simplification of Regimen in Older Adults with Diabetes

  1. Discuss how to manage older adults with worsening glycemic control
  2. Discuss how to manage older adults who are unable to cope with complex insulin regimen
  3. Provide tools and algorithm to simplify complex treatment so that patients can cope with their regimen

Access to Resources

Full Learning Collaborative Curriculum: Addressing Common Geriatric Syndromes Associated with Diabetes 

Interested in accessing recordings from this learning collaborative but you're not affiliated with a HRSA-funded health center or look-alike? Contact us with information about your organization and intended use of our materials.