Work

Clinical Characteristics and Comprehensive Management of Multimorbidity in Older Adults with Diabetes: A Narrative Review

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: With the acceleration of population aging and the progressive decline in physiological function, older adults with diabetes frequently present with multiple chronic conditions. This not only increases the complexity of clinical management but also adversely affects disease prognosis, quality of life, and the efficient allocation of healthcare resources. Traditional single-disease-centered management models are increasingly inadequate for addressing the complex and heterogeneous healthcare needs of these patients. Consequently, there is an urgent need to shift toward personalized and integrated management strategies guided by patients' overall health status and functional needs. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science for studies published from 2014 to 2026, using combinations of keywords related to diabetes, older adults, multimorbidity, comorbidity, polypharmacy, comprehensive geriatric assessment, and multidisciplinary management. Inclusion criteria encompassed original studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical guidelines, and consensus statements focusing on multimorbidity and its management in older adults with diabetes. Studies unrelated to the target population or research topic were excluded. The available evidence indicates that multimorbidity in older adults with diabetes is characterized by complex interactions across multiple organ systems and presents substantial challenges in therapeutic decision-making, polypharmacy, and treatment adherence. Comprehensive geriatric assessment, individualized treatment targets, shared decision-making, medication optimization and deintensification, and multidisciplinary collaboration represent important approaches to addressing these challenges. Emerging technologies, including real-time continuous glucose monitoring, electronic health records, digital health platforms, and integrated data analytics, may further facilitate dynamic risk monitoring, coordinated decision-making, and continuity of care. Overall, management should progressively shift from a disease-centered paradigm toward personalized, integrated, and function-oriented care, with greater emphasis on preserving functional independence, minimizing treatment burden, and improving quality of life in older adults with diabetes and multimorbidity.

Source: Clinical Interventions in Aging

DOI: 10.2147/cia.s638079

Authors: Mei Wu, Chunli Zhang, Yongmei Wang, Yuan Zhao

Institution: Dali University

Language: English

Topic: Chronic Disease Management Strategies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,836