Dr. Medha Munshi, Director of the Joslin Geriatric Diabetes Program, joins Dr. Neil Skolnik to discuss deintensification of therapy in older adults with diabetes. They explore considerations for A1C goals and the value of continuous glucose monitoring. The podcast also covers challenges in diabetes management, improving quality of life in nursing homes, and individualizing therapy for older adults.
Treating diabetes in older adults requires balancing glycemic control goals with the risk of hypoglycemia, taking into account individual factors like comorbidity burden and cognitive function.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides a more detailed picture of glucose levels and can help guide treatment decisions in older adults with diabetes, considering individual circumstances and aiming for a balance between time in range, avoiding hypoglycemia, and maintaining the best glycemic control possible.
Deep dives
Liberalizing Goals and Individualizing Treatment
When treating older adults with diabetes, it is important to consider the goals of treatment. Hyperglycemia needs to be managed to prevent future complications, but over-treatment can lead to low glucose levels and negative outcomes, especially in older adults. Treating diabetes in older adults is not as straightforward as treating other conditions. The concept of a 'safety window' comes into play since overshooting glucose targets can have severe consequences. Ensuring an individualized approach to treatment, considering factors like comorbidity burden, cognitive function, and functional status, is crucial for managing diabetes in older adults.
A1C Goals and the Importance of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
A1C, a measure of average glucose levels over three months, is a valuable tool in assessing glycemic control. However, it has limitations, such as not indicating glucose fluctuations, being influenced by other conditions, and being affected by recent illness. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides a more detailed picture of glucose levels throughout the day. While A1C goals vary for older adults based on comorbidities and functional status, CGM can help identify patterns and guide treatment decisions. Aim for a balance between time in range, avoiding hypoglycemia, and maintaining the best glycemic control possible, considering individual circumstances.
Approaching Diabetes Management in Nursing Home Settings and Medication Considerations
Diabetes management in nursing home settings requires special attention. Factors like cognitive function, ability to perform self-care, and appropriate food intake must be taken into account. Hypoglycemia can have significant consequences in older adults, making it crucial to be cautious with medications that increase the risk of low blood sugar. Liberalizing glycemic goals may be appropriate, but it is important to sequentially consider strategies like intensifying or simplifying regimens based on individual needs. Medications such as metformin, GLP1 receptor agonists, and SGLT2 inhibitors offer benefits, but close monitoring for side effects is necessary. Realignment of treatment strategies should focus on optimizing overall well-being rather than rigid adherence to specific numbers or medications.
In this special episode on Diabetes in a Geriatric Population, our host, Dr. Neil Skolnik will discuss diabetes in a geriatric population with Dr. Medha Munshi, Director of the Joslin Geriatric Diabetes Program, focusing on deintensification of therapy.
This special episode is supported by an independent educational grant from Sanofi.
Presented by:
Neil Skolnik, M.D., Professor of Family and Community Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University; Associate Director, Family Medicine Residency Program, Abington Jefferson Health
Medha Munshi, M.D., Director of the Joslin Geriatric Diabetes Program, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School
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