ABSTRACT
In a comprehensive textbook on geriatric diabetes, there are rarely large omissions in diabetes care. This chapter focuses on those aspects of care where little objective evidence exists and provides guidance designed to optimize clinical care and the attainment of goals. It explores the relatively unresearched area of caregiver-related issues, importance of specialist approaches, and how best to implement the available evidence base. Many studies have testified to the considerable social, economic, and health burden of diabetes on the community, with the focus generally being the individual with diabetes. Modern diabetes care systems for older people require integrated care that is characterized by a multidimensional approach, with an emphasis on prevention of diabetes and its complications, early detection and intervention for vascular disease, and assessment of functional status. Access to a specialist in diabetes care with a special expertise in older people is a mandatory requirement if high quality care is to be achieved.
