Thiazolidinediones and slowing the progression of diabetes.

A continuing goal of treatment of diabetes is to slow the progression of the disease through the preservation of beta-cell function. To assess efficacious and cost-effective methods of doing this, The Pharmacy & Therapeutics Society (Glastonbury, CT) assembled a study group of health plan medical directors. Based on a review of the data, the group studied the value of earlier diagnosis and the administration of thiazolidinediones.

Adoption of a new technology in a Veterans Affairs national formulary system with local implementation: the insulin glargine example.

A study group gathered by the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Society reviewed data on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system's implementation of a new technology (insulin glargine) for patients with diabetes. It examined local implementation of VA criteria for nonformulary use of insulin glargine in 21 VA treatment facilities that were surveyed about the issue. The examination found differences in the use of insulin glargine across the 21 treatment facilities and in the approach to implementing the criteria for nonformulary use of insulin glargine used at the individual VA treatment facility level.