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New oral therapies for type 2 diabetes
1University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA.
American Family Physician
|November 26, 1997
Summary
New oral diabetes medications, including metformin, acarbose, and troglitazone, offer improved glycemic control for type 2 diabetes. However, these treatments do not halt the disease
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Several new oral agents for type 2 diabetes treatment are now available in the U.S.
- Metformin, a biguanide, improves glycemic control without causing hyperinsulinemia or weight gain.
- Acarbose, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, reduces postprandial glucose by inhibiting intestinal glucose absorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review newly available oral agents for type 2 diabetes treatment.
- To discuss the mechanisms, benefits, and limitations of metformin, acarbose, and troglitazone.
- To explore the potential of combination therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of pharmacological properties and clinical effects of metformin, acarbose, and troglitazone.
- Discussion of potential benefits of combining these agents.
- Analysis of limitations in current oral therapies for type 2 diabetes.
Main Results:
- Metformin improves glycemic control and is weight-neutral.
- Acarbose effectively lowers postprandial glucose levels.
- Troglitazone enhances insulin sensitivity.
- Combination therapies may reduce the need for insulin or sulfonylureas, minimizing adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- New oral agents offer improved glycemic control for type 2 diabetes.
- Potential for reduced insulin or sulfonylurea dosages with combination therapy.
- Current oral therapies do not prevent the natural progression of type 2 diabetes.