ROLE OF INSULIN THERAPY IN MANAGEMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: LITERATURE REVIEW

Background: The number of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients is rapidly growing. This alarming figure is a result of the aging population. Prevention of long-term complications is the ultimate goal of diabetes management. This is achieved by improvement and maintenance of glycemic control over time. Insulin is the most effective therapy in lowering blood glucose by allowing the body to maintain glucose within a normal range.

Objective: In this review, we will discuss the role of insulin in management of T2D and evaluate its efficacy and safety.

Method: A comprehensive search was done using biomedical databases; Medline, and PubMed, for studies concerned with assessment of role of insulin in management of type 2 DM. Keywords used in our search through the databases were as; “Type 2 DM Pathophysiology”, “Type 2 DM Management”, and “Insulin”.

Conclusion: Guidelines for initial insulin therapy indicate that addition of a long-acting basal insulin to oral therapy is the first step for most patients. Many patients require intensification of insulin therapy later, with the addition of rapid-acting insulin before one or more meals. In order to prevent or delay the long-term complications of diabetes, the goal of glycemic control is an HbA1c of 7.0% or less unless hypoglycemia ensues. Adherence to insulin therapy for people with diabetes is vital, in order to reduce the risks of future complications. Adherence to therapy is poor with many patients omitting or altering their insulin doses. Better communication with patients can improve patient engagement with therapy. Healthcare professionals may need to make their patients aware of improvements in insulin therapies and delivery devices, in terms of reducing other adverse effects, including injection pain and weight gain, and increasing dosing flexibility.