Type 2 diabetes: where we are today: an overview of disease burden, current treatments, and treatment strategies

Abstract

Objective: To provide an overview of the disease burden and current strategies in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Data sources: Medline search of all relevant clinical and review articles.

Study selection: By the author.

Data extraction: By the author.

Data synthesis: The prevalence of diabetes in the United States has reached epidemic proportions with the total diagnosed and undiagnosed cases among people aged 20 years or older estimated at 12.9%, and it continues to rise at an alarming rate. This upsurge has been paralleled by an increase in rates of obesity. Type 2 diabetes accounts for up to 95% of diabetes cases and is often comorbid with hypertension and dyslipidemia.

Conclusion: Tight glycemic control is necessary for the management of type 2 diabetes, but progressive deterioration of beta-cell function can lead to a loss of glycemic control. Oral antidiabetes drugs and insulin are effective but do not always correct the associated metabolic and glucoregulatory dysfunctions, and hypoglycemia and weight gain are common adverse effects of these agents. A clear need exists for aggressive therapeutic options-particularly incretin-based agents-that can be combined with existing agents to preserve beta-cell function and halt the progression of type 2 diabetes.