Screening, Diagnosis, and Pharmacotherapy for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is increasing in prevalence. It is pragmatic to screen patients for diagnostic testing. Diet, exercise, and oral therapy remain the primary treatment modalities for type 2 diabetes. First generation sulfonylureas have fallen out of favor due to adverse effects. Second generation sulfonylureas, metformin, or their combinations are recommended first-line. Glipizide and glimepiride are preferred in elderly, hepatically, and renally impaired patients. Metformin is not recommended with chronic heart failure, renal insufficiency, and in the elderly due to lactic acidosis risks. Glitazones are for second-line therapy, should be used cautiously with cardiac insufficiencies, and require routine monitoring of liver enzymes. Meglitinides, not first-line, may offer an alternative to sulfonylureas. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, most effective with impaired glucose tolerance, may be combined with sulfonylureas or metformin. Pharmacists play an integral role in management and pharmacotherapy services in diabetes may be implemented in collaborative drug therapy monitoring for maximizing cost effectiveness.