title: Pharmacologic management of the patient with type 2 diabetes.
abstract: The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) demonstrated that the benefit of optimal glucose control in type 2 diabetes is a significant reduction in diabetes-related complications. In addition, the UKPDS also demonstrated that type 2 diabetes is a progressive disorder. Whereas many patients may initially receive good glucose control from a single medication, they are likely to require multiple medications to maintain this same level of glucose control as the disease progresses. The recent introduction of several new classes of glucose-lowering medications has allowed health care providers to explore the use of these medications alone and in combination to help patients with type 2 diabetes maintain optimal glucose control. Therefore, it is important to understand the physiologic actions, benefits, and risks of these medications in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Quinn
mesh_terms: D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D018579:Patient Selection; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents