Hypoglycemia Risk Assessment in Elderly and Senile Female Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Hypoglycemia poses a particular danger for elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). According to data, more than 30% of patients aged 60-69 years experience hypoglycemic episodes, and among persons over 85 years this figure exceeds 50%. The high risk is due to age-related changes: slowing of drug metabolism, decreased renal and hepatic function, weakening of counter-regulatory hormonal reactions, and impaired recognition of warning symptoms of severe hypoglycemia. The consequences of hypoglycemia in old age are especially severe, including increased risk of cardiovascular catastrophes, falls and fractures, and cognitive decline. This study aimed to identify predictors of hypoglycemia and assess its probability in elderly and senile women with T2DM for prevention in clinical practice.