Resumen

Aging is associated with an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and its chronic and acute complications. With established changes in diabetes mellitus treatment goals and the lower levels of recommended glycosylated hemoglobin, the prevalence of hypoglycemia, especially in patients treated with insulin, has increased. Aging and changes in physiologic reserves lead to a decreased perception of symptoms associated with hypoglycemia, thus increasing the risk of unawareness or severe episodes. Traditionally, age was a risk factor for hypoglycemia, but in the population over 60 years, multiple comorbidities such as chronic heart failure, malnutrition and renal failure are associated with an increased risk of developing this acute complication. It is necessary to train physicians and nurses at all levels of care to meet the specific clinical manifestations of low blood glucose, and foster early detection and treatment, because this complication is associated with an increased hospital stay and 1-year after discharge mortality; falls and cognitive impairment directly affect the independence and functionality of older persons.

Palabras clave: Aged. Aging. Hypoglycemia. Diabetes mellitus.

2013-07-25   |   481 visitas   |   Evalua este artículo 0 valoraciones

Vol. 62 Núm.4. Julio-Agosto 2010 Pags. 366-374 Rev Invest Clin 2010; 62(4-ENGLISH)