[Role of the diabetes educator for elderly patients].

Diabetes is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by a genetic predisposition and interaction between insulin resistance and decreased pancreatic beta cell function. Elderly patients are often accompanied by other chronic conditions as well as additional risk factors for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. In recent years in Japan, with extension of life expectancy, preventive measure both primary and secondary for senior citizens is increasingly important. Diabetes education for elderly patients is fundamentally the same as for much young group. The social background of the elderly is tremendously diversified. Therefore, the clinical decision-making has to be started with educational model, and complete primary care setting is necessary with exclusively individualized program understanding the ability of a key person in a support group.