“Older Adult Diabetes”: A Conceptual Proposal for a Distinct Clinical Entity

The prevalence of diabetes among older adults is steadily rising, especially in aging populations. Although the term “diabetes in older adults” is widely used in clinical guidelines and epidemiological research, it remains largely descriptive, lacking the precision needed to support the development of age-specific treatment strategies. This article proposes the term “older adult diabetes” as a distinct disease entity. By examining the conceptual and linguistic differences between the two terms, the article suggests that the broader adoption of “older adult diabetes” can enhance clinical decision-making, sharpen research focus, and more effectively inform policy development tailored to aging populations.