Management of patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Background:

The number of treatment options in the diabetes arena has grown dramatically in a short period of time, with a corresponding increase in the breadth and depth of literature from which physicians and diabetes organizations make evidence-based decisions. Thus, the purpose of this article is to provide an up-to-date review of the literature describing current treatment options and guidelines available for the management of type 2 diabetes and prevention of its complications.

Methods:

Pubmed searches were conducted for recent literature pertaining to the prevention of complications in type 2 diabetes. Comprehensive search terms were devised to identify articles describing micro- and macrovascular complications including nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease associated with type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions:

The current body of literature demonstrates that a significant reduction in the incidence of diabetic complications is achievable with early initiation and long-term maintenance of controlled blood glucose and cardiovascular risk factors. Screening for diabetic complications should be initiated early and continued at regular intervals to ensure early pharmacological intervention.

Key words::

• Diabetic complications
• Diabetes guidelines
• Primary care management
• Type 2 diabetes

Transparency

Declaration of funding

This review was sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Declaration of financial/other relationships

S.E.N. has disclosed that he has no relevant financial relationships pertaining to this paper.

CMRO peer reviewers may have received honoraria for their review work. The peer reviewers on this manuscript have disclosed that they have no relevant financial relationships.

Acknowledgements

Writing and editorial services were provided by Michael P. Bennett of Envision Scientific Solutions, and funded by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.