Implications of rosiglitazone and pioglitazone on cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Clinical data suggest that thiazolidinediones--specifically, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone--may improve cardiovascular risk factors through multiple mechanisms. Low insulin sensitivity has been described as an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease. Patients with insulin resistance often have several known risk factors, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.

Lipid levels and use of lipid-lowering drugs for patients in pharmacist-managed lipid clinics versus usual care in 2 VA Medical Centers.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of pharmacist- managed dyslipidemia clinics at 2 Veterans Affairs medical centers since the release of the 2001 National Cholesterol Education Panel Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) guideline compared with the usual care (UC) provided by other health care professionals in the same setting.

Methods: Analysis was performed through retrospective chart review of patients with a diagnosis of dyslipidemia who received care in either the Amarillo or Lubbock, Texas, pharmacist-managed lipid clinics (LCs) or UC from a primary care physician. Data from medical charts were abstracted for dates of service from July 2001 to December 2003 for 115 patients selected randomly from LC rolls matched with 115 patients with a diagnosis of dyslipidemia selected randomly from UC.

Delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with prediabetes.

The frequency of type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing at an alarming rate. Prediabetes, also referred to as impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or impaired fasting glucose, is a major risk factor for development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, IGT has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality.