Abstract
Demographic ageing is a global phenomenon. The average life expectancy and the prevalence of diabetes are continuing to rise. Amongst the elderly population, type 2 diabetes mellitus is a growing problem, and a larger proportion of newly diagnosed diabetics are older. As the prevalence of diabetes mellitus increases and as treatment guidelines call for more rigorous glycaemic control, rates of hypoglcaemia are on the rise. Hypoglycaemia is often a risk of diabetes treatment in the elderly. Hypoglycaemia has serious consequences in terms of mortality and morbidity. Globally diabetes mellitus affects 10-20% of the elderly in the age group of 65-74 years & about 40% of the elderly over the age of 80 years. Type 2 DM is characterized by impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance, excessive hepatic glucose production, and abnormal fat metabolism. Lifestyle factors such as individuals who are obese, who consume diets that are high in saturated fat and low in complex carbohydrates, or are inactive are more likely to develop diabetes as they age. Functional status of the study patients was assessed by using Katz index of activities of daily living. The altered counter regulatory effect may contribute to the altered cognitive response to reductions in blood glucose. Thus, the lower glycemic threshold to Hypoglycaemia in older people may limit the time available to self-treat and thereby increase the risk of developing neuroglycopenia. Additionally, these neurological symptoms of Hypoglycaemia may be misinterpreted in older patients because of coexisting illnesses, such as cerebrovascular diseases or dementia.
Keywords: Hypoglycemia, elderly, counteregulator hormones, neuroglycopenia.
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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v4i12.66
