The Consultant pharmacist : the journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
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Discuss geriatric considerations in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and review the advantages and disadvantages of the various pharmacologic agents, including oral medications and insulin, currently available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). ⋯ The approach to managing T2DM in the elderly should be conservative and methodical in nature, with careful consideration of side effects, drug-disease and drug-drug interactions, and the risk of inducing hypoglycemia in this at-risk population.
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Pain is a phenomenon experienced by many older adults, with the majority reporting chronic or recurrent pain. Across the breadth of practice care settings, pain is poorly assessed and poorly managed for older patients and for those with dementia, and the pain management provided is typically even more deficient. Consultant pharmacists have the expertise to help other health care professionals do better in assessing and addressing pain in the older adult, especially those with cognitive impairment. The quality of life for elders can be greatly improved by sharing that expertise.