Program Overview
The United States may be characterized as having a population at increased risk of morbidity due to a growing epidemic of obesity. This demographic segment of Americans is prime to development of type 2 diabetes. Over the past couple of years, diabetes management has undergone a rapid expansion in knowledge and types of interventions, including insulin analogs administered via user-friendly delivery systems and incretin-based therapeutics. Studies have shown numerous benefits of intervening earlier in the disease course. These include effectively managing patients at high risk for diabetes, reducing the incidence of overt type 2 diabetes, and early tight glycemic control reducing the complications associated with diabetes.
A thorough knowledge of the pathophysiologic processes responsible for type 2 diabetes as well as the metabolic syndrome leading to type 2 diabetes is vital for osteopathic physicians. Health care delivery requires individualized programs for each patient, addressing issues such as weight management, smoking cessation, and psychological concerns while also taking into consideration the patient’s culture, age, and ability for self-care. A growing armamentarium of pharmacotherapies, as both monotherapy and in combinations, can provide effective options for tighter glycemic control. Clearly delineated standards of care and procedures for prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications are more critical than ever. This activity will assist the osteopathic physician to more effectively treat and manage patients with diabetes.