A Survey of Current Therapy of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

A questionnaire was sent to 2,000 members of the American Diabetes Association during June-September, 1962. It concerned the aims and methods of present day therapy of diabetes mellitus, with special emphasis on therapy with oral agents. The answers were analyzed with respect to size of practice as well as other features. A total of 405 replies were received, comprising about 20,000 patients treated per year. Six years after the introduction of oral drugs into the United States, 30 per cent of diabetic patients are being treated with such agents. The aims of therapy are not altered from those for insulin treated patients. There is a noticeable lag in recourse to therapy with a combination of phenformin and a sulfonylurea drug after failure with a single drug. The advantage of use of such combinations in preserving the efficacy of oral therapy is pointed out. No significant incidence of toxicity or effect upon diabetic complications of these drugs alone or in combination is reported.