Pharmacologic management of Type 2 diabetes: A review for dentistry

Over the last 40 years, diabetes mellitus has increased sixfold in the United States. Reported cases increased by more than 6.0% in 2006, Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% of all cases and is becoming more common in children and adolescents. The cause of Type 2 diabetes involves both genetic and environmental factors. The recent increase in the incidence and prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is related largely to obesity. Type 2 diabetes is managed by lifestyle interventions, drug therapy, and control of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Patients with renal failure can be treated by transplantation of a kidney and pancreas. Islet cell transplantation Is available, but long-term results have not been good. Pharmacologic treatment is accomplished with several classes of oral drugs. This article reviews the literature to provide recent innovations In the pharmacologic management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus.