Risk factors and adverse outcomes of hypoglycemia in older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (review)

Abstract

Currently, the world is experiencing a steady increase in the number of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); this disease is recognized as a global medical and social problem of the 21st century. There is also a trend towards increasing life expectancy and, as a result, an aging population. Accordingly, the number of older patients with T2DM is increasing. Hypoglycemia, a serious complication of T2DM, is quite common among this category of patients. Hypoglycemia leads to worsening glycemic control, cognitive deficits, and an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in older patients. This review examines the risk factors for hypoglycemic conditions that must be taken into account when prescribing glucose-lowering therapy to older patients and their prognostic significance in assessing the risk of hypoglycemia. The possible negative consequences of hypoglycemia are described and the importance of individual goals for glycemic control in older patients is emphasized.