HYPOGLYCEMIA IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DIABETES: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This article sought to analyze the main aspects related to hypoglycemia in older adults, highlighting its risk factors, clinical consequences, and strategies for prevention and management. For its development, 16 scientific articles were analyzed, addressing the occurrence of hypoglycemia in older adults, its clinical repercussions, and the therapeutic strategies currently employed for its management and prevention. The findings showed that aging, frailty, comorbidities, cognitive impairment, and certain therapeutic regimens contribute to an increased risk of hypoglycemic episodes in this population. Furthermore, hypoglycemia was found to be associated with adverse outcomes such as falls, hospitalizations, cardiovascular events, loss of autonomy, and reduced quality of life. In addition, the individualization of glycemic targets, treatment simplification, health education, and the use of glucose monitoring technologies were shown to help reduce these events. It is concluded that the prevention of hypoglycemia should be a priority in the care of older adults with diabetes, aiming to achieve greater therapeutic safety and improved quality of life.