title: Multiple drug targets in the management of type 2 diabetes.
abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is being diagnosed at an alarming rate around the world. More than 90% of the estimated 200 million affected persons with diabetes worldwide have type 2 DM, an often clinically silent disorder. In the United States, nearly half of the estimated 16 million persons with diabetes remain undiagnosed. Type 2 diabetes is preceded by a long period of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), a potentially reversible metabolic state associated with increased risk for macrovascular complications. At the time of diagnosis more than one-third of patients have already developed long-term complications of diabetes. Genetic and acquired factors contribute to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. The pathophysiological hallmarks consist of progressive insulin resistance, pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, and excessive hepatic glucose production. The ideal treatment for type 2 diabetes should correct insulin resistance, beta-cell dysfunction, and normalize hepatic glucose output, as well as prevent, delay, or reverse diabetic complications. Emerging targets for therapy of type 2 diabetes include inhibition of gluconeogenesis, lipolysis, and fatty acid oxidation, as well as stimulation of beta3-adrenergic receptors. Drug intervention for obesity is a legitimate adjunct to diabetes management. Additional drug targets include interventions to prevent or delay the progression of specific complications. Finally, primary prevention of type 2 diabetes is an important emerging strategy. The specific pharmacological agents acting at the various targets are discussed in this review. A targeted approach to the multiple underlying pathophysiologic processes offers the best chance of controlling diabetes and complications.
authors.affiliation: University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA.
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Moneva
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dagogo-Jack
mesh_terms: D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000235:genetics; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000502:physiology; D009765:Obesity
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents