Perspectives and experiences of health care professionals and patients regarding treatments for type 2 diabetes.

Background: Several treatment options exist for type 2 diabetes, but little is known about the factors considered by health care providers (HCPs) and patients in Canada in making therapeutic decisions. This study explores perceptions and practices of HCPs and patients related to add-on (i.e.

Choice of therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin and a sulphonylurea: a systematic review and mixed-treatment comparison meta-analysis.

Background: Metformin and a sulphonylurea are often used in combination for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the comparative safety and efficacy of all available classes of antihyperglycemic therapies in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin and sulphonylurea combination therapy.

Methods: MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, EMBASE, BIOSIS Previews, PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for randomized controlled trials published in English from 1980 to November 2009.

Second-line therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin monotherapy: a systematic review and mixed-treatment comparison meta-analysis.

Background: Although there is general agreement that metformin should be used as first-line pharmacotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes, uncertainty remains regarding the choice of second-line therapy once metformin is no longer effective. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the comparative safety and efficacy of all available classes of antihyperglycemic therapies in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin monotherapy.

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS Previews, PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for randomized controlled trials published in English from 1980 to October 2009.

Efficacy of self-monitoring of blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus managed without insulin: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Self-monitoring of blood glucose levels is commonly performed by patients with diabetes mellitus. However, there is debate surrounding the clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of this practice among patients with type 2 diabetes managed without insulin. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of self-monitoring versus no self-monitoring, and the optimal frequency of self-monitoring, in this population.

Efficacy and safety of insulin analogues for the management of diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis.

Background: Although insulin analogues are commonly prescribed for the management of diabetes mellitus, there is uncertainty regarding their optimal use. We conducted meta-analyses to compare the outcomes of insulin analogues with conventional insulins in the treatment of type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.

Methods: We updated 2 earlier systematic reviews of the efficacy and safety of rapid-and long-acting insulin analogues.

Potential interactions between pharmaceuticals and natural health products in Canada.

This study sought to measure the extent to which potentially interacting combinations of natural health products (NHPs) and drugs are used in the Canadian adult population. Data were obtained from the Statistics Canada 2000-2001 National Population Health Survey. A total of 11 424 adults completed the survey.

Natural health product use in Canada: analysis of the National Population Health Survey.

Background: The use of natural health products (NHPs) in Western countries has increased dramatically over the past two decades. Although prevalence estimates have been published in the U.S.