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Transitioning pharmacologic therapy from oral agents to insulin for type 2 diabetes

Robert J Tanenberg1

  • 1Diabetes and Obesity Center, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4354, USA. tanenbergr@mail.ecu.edu

Current Medical Research and Opinion
|May 4, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Adding insulin therapy can help manage type 2 diabetes when oral medications fail. This review covers initiating and adjusting insulin for better glycemic control and preventing complications.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Intensive glycemic control in diabetes can prevent microvascular complications.
  • Type 2 diabetes management often involves oral agents, but may require insulin.
  • Transitioning to insulin therapy requires patient and physician preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence supporting the addition of insulin to oral hypoglycemic regimens.
  • To guide physicians on initiating and adjusting insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes.
  • To simplify the process of adding or switching to insulin treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of prospective intervention trials.
  • Analysis of current evidence on insulin therapy benefits.
  • Discussion of approaches to insulin initiation and regimen adjustment.

Main Results:

  • Evidence supports insulin therapy for inadequate glycemic control with oral agents.
  • Insulin addition can improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.
  • Structured approaches facilitate insulin therapy initiation and management.

Conclusions:

  • Insulin therapy is a viable option for type 2 diabetes patients not achieving control with oral agents.
  • Effective management strategies can make insulin initiation straightforward.
  • Adding insulin can be an achievable step to prevent diabetes complications.

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