New Considerations in Diabetes Management – Techs
This issue highlights the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, sodiumglucose transport protein-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, newer insulin formulations, and the expert guideline recommendations focused on individualization of therapy.
In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control reported that over 30 million people in the US (~10% of the population) have diabetes, including 7.2 million who are undiagnosed. The total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes in the US was $327 billion in 2017.2 Individuals with diabetes incur average annual medical expenses of about $16,750 – more than twice the expense for people without diabetes.
Over the last decade, the options for managing diabetes have grown dramatically – including new medication classes (eg, glucagon- like peptide-1 agonists, sodium-glucose transport protein-2 inhibitors), new insulin analogs (eg, insulin degludec, biosimilar insulins), and new technologies to help patients monitor their diabetes (eg, continuous glucose monitoring).
Clinical practice guidelines have increased the emphasis on individualizing treatment options and goals to meet the needs of each patient. Patients have more say in the management of their diabetes and overall health. It is essential that healthcare providers help patients navigate the vast pool of information available at their fingertips. Diabetes patients can easily get confused by the often-conflicting information or misinformation available on television and the internet, and from friends and family members. Community providers need a good, working knowledge of patient-specific diabetes management, including current treatments and technologies.
