Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with orally administered agents: advances in combination therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the effects and clinical benefit provided by combining various orally administered antidiabetic drugs (OADs) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and to examine the advantages of single-tablet combinations with respect to targeting hyperglycemia and adherence.


METHODS
A review of randomized controlled trials that studied OAD combinations for the treatment of type 2 diabetes was conducted by using search terms in PubMed.


RESULTS
Reported data have documented that OAD combination therapies have additional benefits over monotherapy in terms of glycemic efficacy. Results from randomized controlled trials on a range of OAD combinations have demonstrated differences in safety and efficacy. The use of single-tablet OAD combinations has been shown to improve adherence in patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The development of single-tablet OAD combinations that can address all aspects of glycemia with a favorable tolerability profile has the potential to help patients manage their glycemic control more effectively and to minimize the risk of long-term diabetes-related complications. In addition, single-tablet combinations of agents offer improved convenience for patients as well as potential cost benefits. Thus, they represent an important treatment option for type 2 diabetes.
Bain
Stephen C
SC
Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust, Swansea, United Kingdom. S.C.Bain@swansea.ac.uk
D000284:Administration, Oral; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D004338:Drug Combinations; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents