Planning palliative and end of life care with older people with diabetes: information for health professionals

Diabetes is the most common chronic disease associated with complications such as cardiovascular disease, renal disease, neuropathy, sensory changes, frailty, dementia and some forms of cancer. Multimorbidity is common. All of these comorbidities, independently and collectively, affect independence and quality of life and reduce life expectancy.  Proactive planning for palliative and end of life care can improve outcomes for older people with diabetes and families and be rewarding for health professionals.