Antidiabetic Therapies and Their Role in Addressing Glucose Regulation Defects

Pharmacy Times Office of Continuing Professional Education

Diabetes Update for Pharmacists: Current and Emerging Antidiabetic Therapies and Their Role in Addressing Glucose Regulation Defects

Nissa Mazzola, PharmD, CGP
Assistant Clinical Professor, Clinical Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, St. John's University, Queens, New York
Ambulatory Care Specialist, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York

The third in a 3-part series focusing on diabetes management, this activity will review the therapeutic options to help improve blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 80% to 90% of diabetes cases in the United States. Type 2 diabetes represents several different primary genetic and environmental insults that lead to relative insulin deficiency. A number of therapeutic options are available to address these defects to improve blood sugar levels. This activity will provide a review of the available and emerging pharmacologic treatments and how each medication addresses the numerous metabolic deficits seen in patients with diabetes.

Educational Objectives
Upon completing the program, participants should be able to:

1. Describe the mechanisms of action of currently available pharmacologic options for the management of type 2 diabetes.
2. Review the pharmacologic target and outcome associated with each medication.
3. Examine evidence on emerging antidiabetic agents, their role in diabetes management, and how they will address defects in glucose regulation.

Credits: 2.0
Expiration Date: December 15, 2013

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