Future Therapeutic Directions: New Medications and Insulin Delivery in a Changing World for Effective Diabetes Management

Pankaj      Modi

Abstract

Insulin remains a key to the management of diabetes. The early addition of insulin to oral therapy in type-2 patients is recognized as an effective option that can help improve glycemic control and reduces the complications and contribute to more favorable outcomes. Controlling blood glucose levels within acceptable limits is crucial to the long-term health of patients with diabetes. The benefits of patient education and chronic disease management tools cannot be underestimated as many patients will require education and help in initiation of insulin therapy to achieve glycemic targets. The wide choice of insulin formulations and the ever-expanding range of delivery methods are now available. These methods made insulin administration easier, less painful, more discreet, and more accurate than ever before thus providing important tools to overcome barriers to insulin initiation and improve achievement of glycemic goals. In addition, exciting developments in newer therapeutics have increased the potential for optimal glycemic control. This review discusses how these approaches can help patients manage their diabetes effectively by considering new insulin formulations and delivery devices and newer therapeutics.

Keywords: Type-1 diabetes, type-2 diabetes, insulin analogues, apidra, lispro, detamir, glargine, GLP-1, byetta, januvia, CSII, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)