title: The use of insulin alone and in combination with oral agents in type 2 diabetes.
abstract: To achieve optimal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes, clinical trial data suggest that near normal glycemic control should be targeted. Insulin is arguably the most effective treatment available for diabetes and yet many patients remain poorly controlled without the benefit of insulin therapy. Discussion of its putative risks and benefits as well as the barriers to its wider use both in the context of monotherapy and in combination with oral antidiabetic agents is provided. Application of the strategies and principles of insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes should minimize the burden of complications in patients with the disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, and Director, Diabetes Care Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7172, USA. jbuse@med.unc.edu
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Buse
mesh_terms: D020909:Acarbose / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D002839:Chromans / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008687:Metformin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012648:Self Care; D013453:Sulfonylurea Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D045162:Thiazolidinediones; D000077288:Troglitazone
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D002839:Chromans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D013453:Sulfonylurea Compounds; D013844:Thiazoles; D045162:Thiazolidinediones; D008687:Metformin; D000077288:Troglitazone; D020909:Acarbose