Implementing intensified treatment strategies for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

: Primary care physicians play central roles in the management of patients with diabetes, providing care for approximately 90% to 95% of adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Treatment goals are well established, although treatment guidelines continue to evolve in response to new evidence and advances in therapy. Clinicians face significant challenges in managing this multifaceted and complex disease. Less than 12% of diagnosed patients reach treatment goals for blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Treatment typically begins with the use of single-agent pharmacotherapy in conjunction with lifestyle modifications. As the disease progresses, other pharmacologic agents are added as treatment is intensified to achieve target goals. This CME activity examines the clinical uncertainties resulting from disease progression and provides recommendations for the long-term management of patients with type 2 DM.