by V Lassmann-Vague, Diabetes Metab, 2005;31:5S53-5S57. A significant scientific article on the greatly increased risks of hypoglycaemia in the elderly diabetic patient. The article calls for greater education of elderly patients and their caregivers on the causes, symptoms and prevention of this serious, life-threatening condition. Indicates that the direct cause is usually a diet error, with 53% of hypoglycaemic episodes in the elderly related to missing a meal. Depression or infections, which can modify appetite, can complicate and increase chances of missed meals or altered diet leading to hypoglycaemia in the elderly. Physical exercise, errors in dosing of diabetes medications, and alcohol intake are other factors, less frequently leading to hypoglycaemia in the elderly.
