Novel approaches to the treatment of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Control of hyperglycaemia is a fundamental therapeutic goal in patients with type 2 diabetes. The progressive nature of beta-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes leads to the need for escalating anti-hyperglycaemic treatment, including insulin, in most patients. Given the prevalence of complications such as weight gain and hypoglycaemia associated with traditional anti-hyperglycaemic agents (AHA), including sulphonylureas and insulin, it is unsurprising that recent years have seen the development of novel agents to treat hyperglycaemia. With increasing evidence supporting the need for a multi-faceted approach to the prevention of adverse cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes, a patient-centred and individualised management strategy addressing lifestyle, cardiovascular risk factor modification and glycaemic control remains critical in improving outcomes in these patients.