Comprehensive geriatric assessment for older people with diabetes mellitus – Considerations for geriatricians and diabetes nurse educators

ABSTRACT

Older people are complex and have a higher absolute risk of diabetes?related complications and thus should be a target group for diabetes and geriatric nursing intervention. Patients with diabetes also have poor knowledge and understanding of the condition and self-management skills. Management of older people with diabetes should be individualized. Comprehensive geriatric assessment takes into account medical, psychosocial, and functional considerations. Many of the presenting complaints of older people are multifactorial. The reliability and objectivity of the history should also be considered. Other aspects of management include dentition, nutritional status, swallowing, medications, physical activity, fall prevention, palliative care, and support services as well as pressure injuries in dependent older people. Finally, with the current COVID-19 pandemic, the approach for service delivery may also need adjustments to take into account infection prevention and control measures, such as the use of virtual consultations.