Factors determining the clinical significance of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in the treatment of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Elderly patients with diabetes type 2 represent complex and heterogeneous group with different diabetes complications and comorbidity, polypharmacy, functional and cognitive state. Each of those factors should be taken into account to choose the best glycemic targets as well as the most tailored treatment so that it is necessary for endocrinologist to perform geriatric assessment. The most favorable antidiabetic drugs for elderly are safe in terms of hypoglycemia and cardiovascular risks, can be used irrespective of kidney function, do not affect weight or bone mineral density, and are available in fixed combinations with other drugs. Dipeptidyl pepti-dase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors meet all these requirements with low adverse events rate. Interdisciplinary approach, close interaction with patient and his relatives and considerations for both intensification and deprescribing are keys to successful treatment in this patient subgroup. Cardiovascular events are the most common cause of death and hypoglycemia is highly unfavorable in elderly because it can lead to falls, life-threatening arrhythmias, and cognitive impairment. So deprescribing in elderly with diabetes should be primarily aimed at minimizing of cardiovascular events and severe hypoglycemia risks. For this purpose, it is considered to the reject use of sulfonylureas, glinides, insulins in favor of safer ones (metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors).