The treatment of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes has changed radically over the past few years. Not only there are now new opportunities for treating the key abnormality in diabetes, increased blood glucose, by effective agents such as new insulin preparations and oral agents. A completely new concept has emerged, namely the multifactorial intervention strategy. It appears that it may be more important to treat elevated blood pressure, eventually marginally elevated, and dyslipidemia. New results have really proven to be decisive in changing the outcome of the patients. However, some uncertainties still exist which means that clear reviews are needed.
Summarizing all aspects of treatment, much work has been completed over the last few years within the treatment of complications in diabetes, nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, and vascular medicine in general. This work provides an overview of all these new changes to be implemented in clinical practice.
In the United States, 20.8 million children and adults, 7% of the population, have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed, 6.2 million have yet to be diagnosed. Worldwide diabetes afflicts 150 million people. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2025 that figure will double. Diabetes is responsible for more deaths than AIDS and breast cancer, combined. It is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, amputations, heart complications and stroke.
Treatment of Type 1 and Type diabetes has changed radically over the past few years. There are new opportunities for treating the key abnormality in diabetes, increased blood glucose, by effective agents such as new insulin preparations and oral agents.
Increasing so-called non-glycemic intervention is of prime importance. Blood pressure lowering therapies, anti-cholesterol strategies, and specific treatment related to complications is becoming increasingly important.
Pharmacotherapy of Diabetes is a unique, invaluable guide to all aspects of the pharmacological treatment of diabetes, covering basic concepts and an in-depth review of current and future therapies. This work provides an overview for the new changes in therapies that can be implemented in clinical practice and treatment of the diabetic patient.