Overcoming challenges in Type 2 diabetes management to improve patient outcomes

Abstract

As obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus reach epidemic proportions worldwide, glycemic control and prevention of complications have become even more critical. We searched studies published between January 2006 and January 2010 to identify and discuss the challenges facing healthcare professionals and patients in reaching glycemic targets. MEDLINE and Derwent Drug File searches were conducted with the following search terms: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, medication adherence, antihyperglycemic agents, glucose control, and clinical inertia. In this article we will outline the commonly used medications and present the advantages and disadvantages of each class of drug. Additionally, we will present the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and their place in the treatment of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Keywords::

• antihyperglycemic agents
• biguanides
• clinical inertia
• dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors
• glucose control
• incretin-based therapies
• medication adherence
• sulfonylureas
• thiazolidinediones
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Marie Brown is a consultant for Bristol-Myers Squibb and sanofi-aventis, and receives honoraria from Bristol-Myers Squibb, sanofi-aventis and AstraZeneca. Derek LeRoith is a consultant for Bristol-Myers Squibb/AstraZeneca, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Pfizer Inc., Merck & Co. Inc., sanofi-aventis and Novo Nordisk Inc. He is on the Speakers’ Bureaus for Merck & Co. Inc., Takeda Pharmaceuticals Inc. and sanofi-aventis. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Funding for this review was provided by Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca. This article was developed and written by Marie Brown and Derek LeRoith. Writing, technical and editorial assistance for this manuscript was provided by Trina Ricci and Gina Coviello of Quintiles Medical Communications, NJ, USA.