Effective utilization of oral hypoglycemic agents to achieve individualized HbA1c targets in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition that may require the combination of three oral treatments to achieve optimal glycemic management to prevent microvascular and macrovascular complications whilst minimizing the risk of acute complications and side effects or adverse reactions to treatments. With the widening availability of treatment options and increasing importance of individualized treatment pathways, including personalized HbA1c targets, this article will explore the mode of action of currently available oral treatments, factors to consider when individualizing HbA1c targets, the relevance of estimated glomerular filtration rate assessment, and the importance of reviewing the clinical impact of all treatment decisions.