The type 2 tablet. Evidence based medication for type 2 diabetes.
BACKGROUND
Diabesity--the association of type 2 diabetes and obesity--is a major public health problem worldwide and is increasing dramatically in Australia. The abnormalities associated with diabetes, the 'type 2 diabetes syndrome' are cardiovascular risk factors and increased cardiovascular events. The full implications of type 2 diabetes syndrome may not be fully appreciated and opportunities for effective interventions may be being missed.


OBJECTIVE
This article aims to review the cardiovascular risk associated with type 2 diabetes syndrome and to summarise the evidence supporting wider use of medications that target the different components of type 2 diabetes syndrome.


CONCLUSIONS
The cardiovascular benefits of metformin, the ACE inhibitors, aspirin and the statins have been shown in prospective controlled trials and the beneficial effects of these medications are additive. There is a case for these medications to be considered for those with type 2 diabetes (and an opportunity for the pharmaceutical industry to provide the 'type 2 tablet' containing all four medications).
Phillips
Patrick
P
Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Health Service, Woodville, South Australia. pphillips@tqeh.nwahs.sa.gov.au
Braddon
Jody
J
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001315:Australia; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D004338:Drug Combinations; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations