New concepts for treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus remains a major cause of morbidity and premature mortality in our community. Although potentially amenable to control by lifestyle modification, this is difficult to achieve in practice. Additional approaches using drugs that enhance insulin secretion, suppress hepatic glucose production, and increase insulin sensitivity are available, and new agents are being developed. The thiazolidinedione drugs hold particular promise as insulin-sensitizing agents; however, at present, insulin administration is often also required. The importance of detection and treatment of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and the earlier detection and management of microvascular and infective complications remain of crucial importance. (Trends Endocrinol Metab 1997;8:187-191). (c) 1997, Elsevier Science Inc.