Table 2.
Therapeutic targets for the elderly with diabetes
| Triage category | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall health | Good | Intermediate | Poor |
| Health challenges | Few | Complex | Very complex |
| Risk of hypoglycemia | Low | Intermediate | High |
| Comorbid illness | Few | Multiple (≥ 3) | End-stage chronic disease |
| Cognitive status | Preserved | Mild–moderate impairment | Moderate–severe impairment |
| Functional status | Preserved | Impairment in ≥ 2 ADL | Dependency in ≥ 2 ADL |
| Life expectancy | Long | Intermediate | Limited |
| Treatment burden | Low | High | Variable |
| Self-motivation | Good | Intermediate | Poor |
| Family/social support | Good | Intermediate | Poor |
| HbA1c goal | < 7.5% | < 8.0% | < 8.5% |
| Fasting plasma glucose goal | 90–130 mg% | 90–150 mg% | 100–180 mg% |
| Bedtime glucose goal | 90–150 mg% | 100–180 mg% | 110–200 mg% |
| Blood pressure | < 140/90 mmHg | < 140/90 mmHg | < 150/90 mmHg |