Determining effective insulin analog therapy based on the individualized needs of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract To manage patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus effectively and delay the onset of diabetes-related complications, therapeutic targets for glycemic control, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, should be implemented in clinical practice. Initiation of treatment with insulin is a critical step in achieving target glycemic levels. A variety of insulin formulations are available in the United States that can be matched to meet the diverse needs and lifestyles of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease: reducing the risk.

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). The growing epidemic of T2DM has contributed to CVD becoming the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States.

Objective: To review the pathophysiology of CVD; to demonstrate the interrelatedness of CVD, the metabolic syndrome, and T2DM; and to discuss treatment options that may reduce the risk of CVD in patients with T2DM.

Use of script concordance test to assess pharmaceutical diabetic care: a pilot study in Thailand.

The script concordance (SC) test is an assessment tool designed to probe whether knowledge of examinees is efficiently organized for clinical actions. The aim of this study was to develop an SC test, and determine whether it could be used to differentiate novices from expert pharmacists in their ability to carry out clinical actions in the area of diabetes mellitus. The SC test was developed and validated according to guidelines proposed previously.

Natural products used for diabetes.

Objective: To review the efficacy and safety of natural products commonly used for diabetes.

Data Sources: English and Spanish-language journals retrieved through a MEDLINE search of articles published between 1960 and December 2001 using these index terms: Opuntia, karela, gymnema, tecoma, alpha lipoic acid, thioctic acid, ginseng, panaxans, and diabetes.

Data Synthesis: Natural products have long been used in traditional systems of medicine for diabetes.