When treating the older adult with type 2 diabetes, it is important to understand how the various agents in each of the classes of medications contribute to euglycemia as well as the most common side effects, precautions, and contraindications of the available drugs. When selecting an appropriate pharmacotherapeutic agent, the patient’s comorbidities and current drug regimen need to be assessed to prevent exacerbating a coexisting condition or contributing to the development of drug interactions. Additionally, appropriate monitoring should be performed, and when feasible, the patient and patient’s caregivers need to be appropriately educated on how to use the medications safely.

After completing this activity, the participant should be able to:

• identify factors that should be addressed when developing goals for the treatment of the older person with diabetes.
• describe the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes.
• describe the mechanism of action, dosing guidelines, side effects, and special geriatric considerations for the most commonly used antidiabetic agents.
• discuss the appropriate use of insulin in the older patient with type 2 diabetes.
• discuss the important counseling points to cover when educating patients regarding their antidiabetic medications.