The increasing epidemiology of diabetes and review of current treatment algorithms

The prevalence of diabetes is expected to grow both nationally and globally. Therefore, increased effort to reduce the incidence of this disease is warranted. Physicians must be able to identify individuals who are at risk for diabetes and implement strategies to prevent diabetes onset. Because early diagnosis is critical for reducing the complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), physicians must actively screen for and diagnose diabetes in their practice. Physicians must also be knowledgeable of the recommendations for glycemic goals and apply the treatment algorithms put forth by the American Diabetes Association/European Association for the Study of Diabetes and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology in the management of patients afflicted with T2DM.