1.
The Role of the Pharmacist in Managing Type 2 Diabetes with Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists as Add-On Therapy.
Meece, J
Advances in therapy. 2017;(3):638-657
Abstract
UNLABELLED The prevalence and associated clinical burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing in the USA and other countries. As a consequence, the role of the pharmacist in managing T2D is expanding, and it is becoming increasingly important for pharmacists to have a complete understanding of the disease course and treatment options. Pharmacists have a key role in the use of injectable therapies, including incretin-based treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). This article discusses the role of the pharmacist in the management of patients with T2D, particularly with respect to the use of GLP-1RAs to achieve glycemic control. GLP-1RAs are a class of injectable agents used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with T2D. GLP-1RAs have been shown to lower glucose levels, slow gastric emptying, enhance satiety, and reduce body weight without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. GLP-1RAs currently approved in the USA include exenatide twice daily, liraglutide once daily, and albiglutide, dulaglutide, and exenatide once weekly. Pharmacists can work with physicians to help identify patients for whom GLP-1RA therapy is appropriate. In addition, pharmacists can educate patients regarding medication storage, preparation, and injection techniques, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) targets, pre- and post-meal blood glucose goals, adverse events and management strategies, and the long-term benefits of reducing HbA1c. As members of the diabetes care team, pharmacists play an important role in improving patient outcomes. FUNDING AstraZeneca.
2.
Options for prandial glucose management in type 2 diabetes patients using basal insulin: addition of a short-acting GLP-1 analogue versus progression to basal-bolus therapy.
Hirsch, IB, Buse, JB, Leahy, J, McGill, JB, Peters, A, Rodbard, HW, Rubin, RR, Skyler, JS, Verderese, CA, Riddle, MC
Diabetes, obesity & metabolism. 2014;(3):206-14
Abstract
Integrating patient-centered diabetes care and algorithmic medicine poses particular challenges when optimized basal insulin fails to maintain glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Multiple entwined physiological, psychosocial and systems barriers to insulin adherence are not easily studied and are not adequately considered in most treatment algorithms. Moreover, the limited number of alternatives to add-on prandial insulin therapy has hindered shared decision-making, a central feature of patient-centered care. This article considers how the addition of a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogue to basal insulin may provide new opportunities at this stage of treatment, especially for patients concerned about weight gain and risk of hypoglycaemia. A flexible framework for patient-clinician discussions is presented to encourage development of decision-support tools applicable to both specialty and primary care practice.