[Current treatment of type 2 diabetes]

Type 2 diabetes is a complex metabolic disease associated with a high risk of vascular disease and certain entities of cancer. An early starting multifactorial intervention is mandatory in order to improve the prognosis of the patients. Of highest priority is the lowering of LDL-cholesterol (Target value < 100 mg/dl or < 70 mg/dl when vascular complications are present) and of the very often increased blood pressure values (target values 130-135/80 mm Hg). A successful blood glucose lowering therapy is often only possible when antidiabetic drugs are used in combination. The antidiabetic therapy has to be individualized concerning the HbA1target value and the selection of the antidiabetic drugs in relation to age of the patients and presence or absence of co-morbidities. Severe events of hypoglycemia should be avoided, since these are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk and mortality.