title: Type 2 diabetes: assessing the relative risks and benefits of glucose-lowering medications.
abstract: The selection of appropriate pharmacologic therapy for any disease requires a careful assessment of benefit and risk. In the case of type 2 diabetes, this decision typically balances the benefits accrued from improved glycemic control with the risks inherent in glucose-lowering medications. This review is intended to assist therapeutic decision-making by carefully assessing the potential benefit from improved metabolic control relative to the potential risks of a wide array of currently prescribed glucose-lowering agents. Wherever possible, risks and benefits have been expressed in terms of absolute rates (events per 1000 patient-years) to facilitate cross-study comparisons. The review incorporates data from new studies (Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified Release Controlled Evaluation, Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes, and the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial), as well as safety issues associated with newer glucose-lowering medications.
authors.affiliation: International Diabetes Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA. richard.bergenstal@parknicollet.com
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bergenstal
authors.forename: Clifford J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Kendall
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D001786:Blood Glucose; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents