[Management of hyperglycaemia of type 2 diabetes. Paradigm change according to the ADA-EASD consensus report 2018]

The strategy for the management of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes was updated in October 2018 by a group of experts of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). They are triggered by the results of cardiovascular outcome trials published since 2015, which demonstrated a cardiovascular (and renal) protection with two classes of medications, SGLT2 inhibitors (gliflozins) and some GLP-1 receptor agonists (mainly liraglutide) in patients with established cardiovascular disease. Thus, after failure of lifestyle and metformin, the addition of one of these agents is recommended in presence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In case of heart failure or renal disease, the preference is given to a SGLT2 inhibitor, provided that estimated glomerular filtration rate is adequate (superior to 45-60 ml/min/1.73 m²). In all other patients, the choice is guided by the main objective, in concertation with the patient : to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia (gliptin, gliflozin, pioglitazone or GLP1 receptor agonist), body weight excess (SGLT2 inhibitor or GLP-1 receptor) or medication cost (sulphonylurea, pioglitazone). If oral treatment is insufficient, the preference is now given to a GLP-1 receptor agonist rather than basal insulin. Thus, instead of a glucocentric and metabolic viewpoint predominant in the previous position statement, a paradigm change is proposed, focusing on cardiovascular and renal protection, within a patient-centred approach.