[Treatment of type 2 diabetes]

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the association of insulin resistance and progressive failure of the beta cell function. This disease is frequently associated with the so-called syndrome X or polymetabolic syndrome which includes many cardiovascular risk factors: hyperinsulinism, hyperglycemia, postprandial hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and various anomalies of the coagulation system. Glycemic control is fundamental and the goals have been defined to reach them; it is necessary to start with diet and to introduce various oral hypoglycemic agents given alone or in association, if necessary. Insulin treatment is often started late in the course of the disease and this strategy is questionable. Blood pressure must reach 130-80 mmHg and polytherapy is often required to reach this target. The treatment choices will be based on the clinical status of each patient and according to the presence of additional cardiovascular risk factors, increased levels of microalbuminuria or a history of myocardial infarction. Hyperlipidemia is frequent in type 2 diabetes. Statins or fibrates will be prescribed according to predominant lipid anomalies. Clearly, the management of such patients implies many drugs and compliance is difficult. In the near future, some drugs associations will be on the market and they will certainly make the treatment of type 2 diabetes easier and compliance better.