Current trends in treating type 2 diabetes.

Recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of diabetes and its microvascular and macrovascular complications have mandated a much more aggressive approach to treatment. Parallel progress in developing new therapeutic agents has made that approach possible. Current recommendations underscore the importance of early management of prediabetic stages (such as impaired glucose tolerance), early diagnosis and early pharmacologic intervention, achievement of target plasma glucose levels, and use of a regimen designed for the individual patient.