Simplifying Diabetes in Older Australians

benjaminjaenschbph
Sep 9, 2025
3 min read

Diabetes is a growing concern for many Australians—especially as we age. While it's a common condition, it’s also one that requires careful management, particularly in older adults who may have other health issues too.

In this blog, we’ll explore how type 2 diabetes affects older people, why personalised treatment matters, and how you can stay on top of your health.

How Common Is Diabetes in Older Australians?

As of 2021, nearly 1.2 million Australians were living with type 2 diabetes, and over half (59%) of them were aged 65 and older. The condition is especially common in people aged 80–84, where:

22% of men
17% of women are living with type 2 diabetes.¹

Higher Risk for First Nations People

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are 2.9 times more likely to be living with type 2 diabetes compared to non-Indigenous Australians.²

Why Managing Diabetes in Older Adults Is Different

In older people, managing diabetes is not just about lowering blood sugar. It’s also about preventing complications, maintaining quality of life, and avoiding treatment side effects like:

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Falls and fractures

Because older adults often live with other health conditions, their diabetes care must be tailored to their overall health, medications, cognitive function, and personal preferences.

Common Health Conditions That Occur With Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes rarely comes alone. Many older people living with diabetes also have chronic kidney disease (CKD) or cardiovascular disease (CVD)—or both. This is often called the cardiac, renal and metabolic (CRM) triad.

📊 Key Stats:

Around 2.8 million Australian adults live with diabetes, CKD and/or CVD.
9% of adults aged 65 and over live with all three conditions.
Men are 2.3 times more likely than women to have the CRM triad.

The Link Between Diabetes, Heart, and Kidney Health

People with type 2 diabetes are at:

2 to 4 times higher risk of developing heart disease
20–25% chance of developing chronic kidney disease

These conditions can interact with each other, which is why comprehensive care is important.

For example:

A person with diabetes and kidney problems may need different medications.
Some diabetes medications can also help protect the heart and kidneys.

What Does Good Diabetes Care Look Like for Older Adults?

Care for older people with diabetes should be personalized and holistic. That means:

Preventing high blood sugar symptoms without causing low blood sugar
Monitoring and treating other conditions like heart failure or kidney disease
Adjusting medications to minimize side effects
Considering mobility, memory, mental health, and personal goals
Respecting patient preferences, quality of life, and comfort

Often, this involves combination therapy—using more than one type of medication—to help manage blood sugar safely.

Tips for Living Well with Diabetes as You Age

✅ Stay active – gentle exercise like walking or tai chi can improve blood sugar, heart health, and mobility

✅ Eat balanced meals – focus on vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and limit added sugars

✅ Attend regular check-ups – monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function, and feet

✅ Take medications as prescribed – and report any side effects to your doctor or pharmacist

✅ Watch for symptoms of low blood sugar – especially if you’re on insulin or certain diabetes tablets

✅ Stay connected – isolation can affect both physical and mental health

When to consider a Home Medicine Review?

If you or a loved one is aged 65 or older and living with diabetes, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP for a home medicine review that can provide advice on: