Pharmacologic Approaches to Diabetes Treatment: Oral Medications

Course overview

The management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) involves a holistic, patient-centered approach that encompasses lifestyle modifications and the use of pharmacologic therapies. While current American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care 2023 guidelines highlight the benefits of injectable agents for reaching glycemic and weight loss goals and reducing cardiorenal risks, oral antidiabetic (OAD) medications still have important roles to play in the care plans of many patients. Numerous classes of OADs are available, each with its unique mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety profile. This course will compare available oral medications for diabetes with a discussion of mechanisms of action, dosing, side effects, and contraindications. The suggested place of these various medications within a therapeutic regimen will be discussed in the context of the updated American Diabetes Association Standards of Care in Diabetes 2023 guidelines.