Activity Snapshot

Affecting over 11% of the adult US population, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic and disabling disease that is associated with substantial morbidity from both macro- and microvascular complications. It is the leading cause of kidney failure, nontraumatic lower-limb amputations, and new cases of blindness among American adults, and is a major cause of heart disease and stroke. In addition, managing patients with T2DM poses an enormous economic burden on both patients and healthcare providers alike.

Aggressive glycemic control can help to improve patient outcomes and reduce diabetes-related expenditures. Although an array of medications is available for the treatment of patients with T2DM, compliance rates remain inadequate. Nonadherence is typically due to educational deficits, lack of communication with healthcare providers, high pill burden, complex therapeutic regimens, and drug-related adverse effects. Sodium-coupled glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, agents that reduce renal glucose reabsorption, may eliminate some of the adverse effects and administration issues associated with conventional therapy. However, it is also important that healthcare providers educate patients and encourage open communication regarding disease management. In addition, managed care pharmacists should utilize patient-specific characteristics to develop treatment regimens that best accommodate patient needs. Utilizing an interactive, case-based format, this activity discusses the role of current and emerging therapy for the treatment of patients with T2DM and reviews the strategies that may be used to improve patient compliance and optimize disease management.

This activity is supported by an educational grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca LP.