Because of the progressive loss of beta-cell function that
characterizes type 2 diabetes mellitus, most individuals will
ultimately require insulin to control hyperglycemia, but
few randomized controlled trials have evaluated insulin
use in an exclusively elderly population.
Insulin therapy is the most effective glucose-lowering
agent when appropriately dosed and should not be perceived
as a treatment of last resort in elderly adults. Nonetheless,
in a recent UK study of individuals aged 75 and
older, only 14% reported using insulin in their diabetes
mellitus treatment regimen.