Comprehensive management of polypharmacy in older patients with diabetes

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a complex group of chronic metabolic conditions. The incidence of frailty, sarcopenia, geriatric syndrome, and multiple chronic conditions is high in older patients with diabetes, who often require multiple medications for optimal glucose control and treatment of associated chronic complications. Unfortunately, polypharmacy is associated with a high risk of adverse outcomes, such as hypoglycemia, drug-drug interactions, and an increased socioeconomic burden in older adults with diabetes.Current Concepts: Elderly patients with diabetes are at a high risk for polypharmacy and consequently, a high risk of adverse drug reactions. Polypharmacy is defined as the cumulative use of five or more medications. Comprehensive management and deprescribing are the most important approaches to reduce polypharmacy. Deprescription refers to reduction in or cessation of inappropriate medications.Discussion and Conclusion: Polypharmacy continues to increase the risk of morbidity and mortality among older adults with diabetes. A comprehensive polypharmacy management and deprescription plan is warranted for significant risk reduction in elderly patients with diabetes.