What is worse? If an elderly patient has a hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic episode?

 

Which has a higher risk of mortality in the elderly?

Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia? 

Hypoglycemia!

This is due to the SERIOUS INCREASE IN FALL RISK + Longer recovery time!


Remember, not EVERYONE can have a perfect A1c (< 7%)

This is the stuff we AREN'T TESTED ON but we need to know for practice!


> 8.0% you start having microvascular issues...


BUT * it is acceptable for the elderly population to have a slightly higher A1c because the medication issues can sometimes outweigh the risks of high A1c. 


If someone is 88 years old and has an A1c of 8.5%… do you really want to put them on an SGLP2 (or another med that may cause N/V/D) and have them peeing all day???

NO! This also increased fall risk as well as UTI risk! (if wearing depends etc) 



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