Although an older person with diabetes has a high likelihood of being well and enjoying a good quality of life, many are functionally dependent or have evidence of cognitive problems, which alters goals of care and influences management strategies. This Position Statement attempts to embody these aspects selleck inhibitor in the conclusions and statements given. We feel that it is timely to establish a collaborative initiative between key international diabetes and gerontological organizations to enhance diabetes care for older people worldwide. This Position Statement represents the

first stage in developing such a global initiative. It was produced to influence the clinical behavior and approach of all health professionals engaged in delivering diabetes care

to older people. Following a round GDC 941 table discussion by key participants at the European Association of for the Study of Diabetes in Rome in September 2008, we identified a list of priorities and developed a concerted action plan for enhancing diabetes care in older people. This Position Statement on diabetes in older people is designed to give an overview of the present state of diabetes care of this group of people. In addition, the statement will outline a consensus view on the perceived priorities for improving diabetes care and achieving the best possible clinical outcomes during the next decade. Diabetologists from around the globe and both the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics and the European Diabetes Working Party have been involved in developing this work. Purpose of the Position Statement: (1) Arrive at a

consensus on how we approach the management of key issues of diabetes care for older people. An expert roundtable was organized in June 2010 in Frankfurt as an opportunity to critically discuss and evaluate views and experience of some of the complex issues of diabetes in old people. This group communication process was complemented by 2 audio teleconferences with other global experts in the field. Selleckchem 5 FU An audio record of all discussions was made to assist the moderator (A.S.) to produce a draft report of the proceedings. An important purpose was to arrive at a consensus on how we approach the management of significant issues including those that require further study (see Figure 1). We agreed that by defining at least 2 recommendations per domain based on this process we would have a workable set of conclusions on which to base the Position Statement. Discussants participated in a brief Delphi process, combined with a traditional evidenced-based approach (see Appendix A at www.jamda.com), which aimed to address the main areas from several perspectives. We chose 4 perspectives for each of the domains of interest (to provide an initial structure) but participants in the roundtable discussion had the opportunity to define other perspectives that needed to be considered.