ADA-EASD diabetes guidance: individualised treatment of hyperglycaemia

Hyperglycaemia is a significant contributor to the morbidity and premature mortality of type 2 diabetes. There are several glucose lowering agents, with each class having a different mechanisms of action, but their utilisation has to be considered within the context of disease pathogenesis; appropriateness of the agent for the patient, patient lifestyle and personal circumstance, and to some extent treatment costs. The most recent joint policy statement from the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes addresses these issues and provides guidance on strategies for a patient centred approach to the implementation of evidence based medicine. Glycaemic targets are flexible, but early intervention, and therapy as intensive as individual circumstance dictates are recommended.