Issues in treating the geriatric patient with diabetes.

Diabetes, a disease commonly seen in the young, is more frequently seen in the geriatric age group (older than 65 years of age). This frequency has been estimated at 30 to 50 percent, although because of underdiagnosis, reported cases have approximately a 20 percent occurrence, the majority of which is Type II or non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM). Although the presentation in older adults is similar to that in younger patients, there are considerations for both evaluation and therapy that are unique to the geriatric patient.