Understanding new pharmacologic therapy for type 2 diabetes

Abstract

As the understanding of diabetes continues to improve and treatment methods expand, the clinician can now offer patients with diabetes a greater chance of improved health with fewer complications from diabetes. Aggressive, early treatment of type 2 diabetes, with the goal of achieving a maximum HbA1c of 8% and an ideal of less than 7%, is both health-enhancing and cost-effective. Nonpharmacologic treatments, such as nutrition therapy, exercise, weight loss, and self-management education programs are the most important aspects of care. Pharmacologic therapy should be based on a number of factors and should be individualized for each patient. Treatment options in diabetes will continue to expand as new medications become available and further refinements in treatment decisions occur.