Mortality in older people with diabetes: A review of current research

Abstract

Older people with diabetes have reduced life expectancy compared to those without diabetes. They also have increased mortality risk. This paper looks at some of the factors that may explain the increased mortality risk in older people. Consideration is given to: comorbidities; polypharmacy and diabetes therapies; glycaemic control and targets; and frailty. The paper considers how we might be able to reduce the mortality hazard for older people, considering the heterogeneous nature of the population.