Identifying the need for simplification of type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment in residents of aged-care facilities: a meta-analysis and systematic review of the literature

Authors

  • Lowri Hughes Thomas Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
  • Philip MS Evans Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant, UK.
  • Atul Kalhan Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant, UK.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15277/bjd.2021.290

Keywords:

type 2 diabetes mellitus, aged-care facilities, frailty, dementia

Abstract

Background: The management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in frail older adults is made challenging by the impact of physical and cognitive decline on self-monitoring of blood glucose (BG), administration of medications, especially injectable therapies, and risk of hypoglycaemia.

Aims and objectives: (1) To revisit the prevalence of hypoglycaemia in adults with T2DM living in aged-care facilities; (2) to evaluate the impact of simplification of T2DM treatment on quality of life (QOL), morbidity and mortality in this population; and (3) to identify higher risk older adults in whom simplification of therapy will be most appropriate.

Methods: MEDLINE was searched using the following concept areas: aged-care facilities, T2DM, anti-diabetic therapies, morbidity, mortality and QOL. Results (and additional literature identified by citation checking) were screened and assessed against pre-defined eligibility criteria. Standardised structures for extracting, appraising and reporting the literature were used.

Results: Hypoglycaemia is common in adults with T2DM in aged-care facilities. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) needs to be interpreted cautiously in this cohort, with additional capillary BG monitoring needed to identify individuals at risk of hypo- or hyperglycaemia. Simplification of T2DM treatment can reduce morbidity and mortality in frail older adults.

Conclusion: In residents of aged-care facilities, simplification of T2DM treatment can help deliver optimal individualised patient-centred care and improve QOL.

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Published

2021-05-28

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