COMMENTARY

Comparing Medications for Type 2 Diabetes: What's Known

Charles P. Vega, MD

Disclosures

August 30, 2011

Clinical Pearls

Diet and exercise can significantly improve A1c values among patients with type 2 diabetes, but they cannot be expected to reduce A1c more than 1%.
There are little data to guide clinicians on treatment of type 2 diabetes based on efficacy in preventing major complications of diabetes or death.
Most monotherapy for type 2 diabetes can be expected to reduce A1c values by approximately 1%.
Adding additional therapy to single medications for diabetes can be expected to reduce A1c values by an additional 1%.
Metformin is a good first-choice medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Long-acting sulfonylureas should be avoided in high-risk patients.
In general, high-risk patients have a target A1c level of less than 7%. Younger patients without comorbid conditions may be treated to a lower A1c target.

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Cite this: Charles P. Vega. Comparing Medications for Type 2 Diabetes: What's Known - Medscape - Aug 30, 2011.

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