The Diabetes Guidelines for Elderly Residents in LTC Facilities principally advocate liberalized glycemic targets to avoid hypoglycemia. Any treatment recommendation for residents with diabetes in LTC must consider the characteristics of the individuals who live there. Older adults residing in LTC are frail, which is defined as the accumulation of multiple chronic illnesses and associated vulnerability. Residents who are frail commonly have dementia, functional decline, and geriatric syndromes such as falls, impaired mobility, and polypharmacy. They are at risk for adverse outcomes, hospitalization, and death.

Key characteristics of diabetes care guidelines for elderly residents include flexibility, individualization, and quality of life.

• Diabetes Guidelines for Frail Elderly Residents in or Awaiting LTC Pocket Reference (PDF)
• Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee: Diabetes in Older People (URL)