[The significance of long acting insulin analogues in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus].

Between 5 and 10% of the European population suffers from diabetes, and its prevalence is constantly rising, in Austria like in other countries. The main goals in the treatment of diabetes mellitus are the prevention of complications and organ damage, the prevention of severe hypo- and hyperglycaemia and the preservation of quality of life. Many patients with type 2 diabetes become insulin-dependent in the course of their disease. The application of a long acting insulin or insulin analogue is the simplest way of initiating an insulin therapy and is in accordance with current guidelines. Current scientific evidence shows that the use of long acting insulin analogues for type 2 diabetes; which can no longer be sufficiently controlled with oral antidiabetic agents, is simple, safe and efficacious. Thus, this treatment option should be available without any restrictions to physicians and patients in order to facilitate the beginning of an insulin regime. This position paper summarises up the current evidence concerning this subject.