ABSTRACT
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major health priority globally due to the severe burden it places on health care systems. The estimated worldwide prevalence of T2DM among adults was 285 million in 2010, and this is projected to increase to 439 million by 2030 [1]. The management of diabetes has historically been solely a physician’s domain and has revolved around lifestyle intervention combined with pharmacotherapy to address insulin resistance and/or defective beta-cell function, the core issues in the pathophysiology of this disease. While the pharmacological armamentarium to treat T2DM has expanded considerably, few patients are able to achieve and maintain optimal glycemic targets in the long term. Moreover, weight gain from insulin usage and the risk of hypoglycemia often preclude intensive medical management.
