Building Competency in Diabetes Education THE ESSENTIALS

CHANGES ACROSS THE LIFESPAN| 4-45

Summary The frailty, vulnerability and variability in this age group make diabetes management a continual challenge. Figure 9 summarizes the essential elements involved in the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating effective diabetes management in the elderly population.

Figure 9. Managing diabetes in the elderly (3)

ASSESS FRAILTY: - cognition - mobility

PLAN : Individualize - glycemic goals - treatment goals - education goals

EVALUATE: - resources - self-care - nutritional status - quality of life

IMPLEMENT: Safe practice - avoid hypoglycemia - encourage healthy eating -simplify/deprescribe medication