Program Overview
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition requiring individualized strategy and a team approach to achieve and maintain long-term, near-normal blood glucose and blood pressure levels. Individual patient targets need to be assessed in relation to age, general health and other risk factors; any gains in blood glucose or blood pressure levels will help to reduce the risk of vascular complications. A recent study from the American Diabetes Association noted however, that 50% of patients are not treated to target even if there are complications.
Although not yet in practice, residents will benefit from participation in this program, designed to clarify the clinical barriers to treating to target and provide solutions to common roadblocks. A clear understanding of the role of insulin, glucagon, and the factors that contribute to beta-cell function will be reviewed. Directives will be defined for optimizing different forms of insulin therapy, transitioning to oral agents, the requirements of multi-dose therapy, and what is needed for advanced insulin therapy.
