Why coordination becomes more important with age
Older adults often live with more than one chronic condition and may receive prescriptions from several clinicians. Changes in kidney function, memory, vision, mobility, appetite, and daily routines can also affect how medicines are taken and tolerated.
Primary care can help maintain a current medication list, review competing health priorities, monitor common conditions, and coordinate referrals or specialist recommendations.
A useful medication review includes
- Every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, vitamin, and supplement
- The purpose and dose of each medicine
- Possible duplicate ingredients or treatments
- Side effects, dizziness, falls, confusion, appetite changes, or low blood sugar
- Whether medicines are affordable and practical to take as directed
- Recent hospital or specialist medication changes
- Questions about medicines that may no longer be needed
Diabetes care is individualized for older adults
Diabetes management may include nutrition, activity, glucose or A1C monitoring, and medicine. The plan should account for the person’s overall health, risk of low blood sugar, ability to manage the regimen, other conditions, and personal goals.
Blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney health, eye care, foot health, mood, cognition, and medication safety may also be important parts of ongoing care. The appropriate targets and monitoring schedule should be individualized.
Preparing for a medication and diabetes visit
Bring all medication bottles or a complete list, recent glucose records when requested, hospital discharge instructions, specialist notes, and a list of symptoms or side effects. A family member or caregiver may be helpful when the patient wants support remembering or communicating the plan.
Never stop or reduce a prescription medicine without discussing it with the prescribing clinician or another qualified healthcare professional who understands the treatment plan.
Educational content awaiting provider review
This article is available for general education and is supported by the references listed below. It is not labeled as medically reviewed until Viviana Fernandez approves the wording and sources.
Meet the provider →Frequently asked questions
What does polypharmacy mean?
Polypharmacy generally refers to using multiple medicines. It can be appropriate, but the risk of interactions, side effects, and treatment burden increases as the number and complexity of medicines grow.
Should an older adult bring every medicine to a visit?
Bringing the bottles—or a complete, current list that includes over-the-counter products and supplements—can make medication reconciliation more accurate.
Are diabetes goals the same for every older adult?
No. Goals and treatment choices should reflect overall health, functional status, other conditions, risk of low blood sugar, and individual preferences.
Sources used for this article
- Taking Medicines Safely as You Age National Institute on Aging
- Diabetes in Older People National Institute on Aging
Educational information only
This article provides general education and does not diagnose a condition or establish a patient-provider relationship. Do not change medicines or treatment based only on website information. For severe or urgent symptoms, seek appropriate urgent or emergency care. For a medical emergency, call 911.