[Diabetes in old age].

Diabetes is one of the most common chronical diseases in old age. More than 50 % of the patients are older than 65 years. Elderly with diabetes often suffer from functional or cognitive deficits that should be registered in therapy. These include special geriatric syndromes like memory failure, frailty, falls, immobility or higher vulnerability for drug interactions. Comorbidity und functional deficits influence each other. Simple therapy regimens should be preferred to avoid polypharmacia and to preserve patient's independence. Specific risks of old age under new antidiabetic drugs should be noted. Check-ups and treatment of diabetic complications, especially the diabetic foot should be consequently induced considerating age-specific features.