Diabetes is estimated to affect approximately 20% of people aged over 65 years (Mooradian et al 1999 ) addition to other known complications of diabetes for example retinopathy and neuropathy-macrovascular complications (myocardial infarction and stroke) cause significant morbidity and mortality (Mooradian et al 1999) While age should not be a factor in enfluencing the treatment of people with diabetes, it is recommended that treatment should be applied with caution in older people older adults with diabetes are predisposed to hypoglycemia (National Collaborating Centre for Chronic Condition 2008) The clinician should avoid pursuing highly intensive management of HbA1c to levels of under 6.5% (Hairon 2008) HbA lc is defined as glycated haemoglobin, which identifies average plasma glucose concentration (Diabetes.co.uk 2010). By measuring HbA1c overtime, an average blood glucose reading can be obtained. Realistic target levels for diabetes treatment are random blood glucose levels of 8-11 mmol/L (Hull 2008). When treating diabetes in the older population treatment should be individualised and tailored to people's needs and lifestyle (Mooradian etal 1999, Hull 2008) just as it is in younger age groups Managing diabetes in volves considerable element of self care. Informed decisions about care and treatment should be made in partnership with patients and healthcare professionals (National Collaborating Centre for Chronic Conditions 2008)