Antidiabetic Medications and Polypharmacy

Polypharmacy, or the use of multiple medications, is a serious concern for providers who care for older adults, as polypharmacy is associated with medication nonadherence, drug-drug interactions, drug-disease interactions, and adverse drug events. Multiple medications, high chronic disease burden, and age-related physiologic changes make management of older adults with diabetes increasingly difficult. Given high medication burden and potential for increased medication sensitivity in this patient population, it is prudent that providers are aware of potential risks and benefits of antidiabetic medications and implement shared decision-making practices to ensure appropriate care for older adults with diabetes.