Perspectives on vascular biology and diabetes

Newer Treatment Strategies for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a multiorgan, metabolic disease associated with multiple microvascular and macrovascular complications. The incidence of type 2 diabetes is growing at an alarming rate. Achieving and maintaining near-normal blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels (A1C) are of the utmost importance. Existing treatment options for managing type 2 diabetes, which have primarily included sulfonylureas and biguanides, are insufficient at achieving these treatment goals alone, particularly if used long term. The need to explore newer and better treatment options that provide longer lasting glucose control and at the same time focus on targeting cardiovascular risk factors to minimize and prevent the serious complications associated with this multifaceted disease becomes quite obvious.