Inpatient Diabetes Management in Special Populations (Elderly, Cystic Fibrosis, Pregnancy, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Liver Dysfunction).

Abstract

Diabetes management in certain patient populations has unique challenges and goals. Among these populations are pregnant people, elderly people, and people with chronic kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, or liver dysfunction. In pregnancy, insulin resistance increases weekly during the second and third trimesters and rapidly decreases with delivery. Diabetes in elderly patients is complicated by polypharmacy, declining cognitive and functional status, and higher risk of morbidity and mortality from hypoglycemia. Patients with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes are at higher risk of mortality than those without diabetes. Patients with liver dysfunction have risk factors for hypoglycemia although no specific guidelines for management exist.