It is widely accepted that the most challenging goal in the management of patients with diabetes mellitus is to achieve blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. In general, normalising postprandial blood glucose levels is more difficult than normalising fasting hyperglycaemia. In addition, some epidemiological studies suggest that postprandial hyperglycaemia (PPHG) or hyperinsulinaemia are independent risk factors for the development of macrovascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Recently, several drugs with differing pharmacodynamic profiles have been developed which target PPHG. These include insulin lispro, amylin analogues, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and meglitinide analogues. Insulin lispro has a more rapid onset of action and shorter duration of efficacy compared with regular human insulin. In clinical trials, the use of insulin lispro was associated with improved control of PPHG and a reduced incidence of hypoglycaemic episodes. Repaglinide, a meglitinide analogue, is a short-acting insulinotropic agent which. when given before meals, stimulates endogenous insulin secretions and lowers postprandial hyperglycaemic excursions. Both insulin lispro and repaglinide are associated with postprandial hyperinsulinaemia. In contrast, amylin analogues reduce PPHG by slowing gastric emptying and delivery of nutrients to the absorbing surface of the gut. Alpha-Glucosidase inhibitors such as acarbose, miglitol and voglibose also reduce PPHG primarily by interfering with the carbohydrate-digesting enzymes and delaying glucose absorption. With the availability of agents which preferentially reduce postprandial blood glucose excursions, it is now possible to achieve glycaemic goals in a larger proportion of individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Vitamin supplementation in large dosages is increasingly common in the older population. Often, such supplementation is used in an attempt to improve an individual's health status. There have been claims that the effects of vitamins halt the normal aging process or prevent and cure disease. However, several recent studies have failed to demonstrate the efficacy of vitamin supplementation in preventing several types of cancer. In moderate dosages, supplementation with vitamin E (tocopherols) shows promise as a lipid antioxidant, and may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. However, before vitamin E becomes an accepted medical therapy, further long term studies must be undertaken to examine the safety and efficacy of such therapy. An adequate intake of vitamins should be ensured by adherence to a well balanced diet. However, the elderly are prone to circumstances that may prevent them from eating a balanced diet. In addition, there are several age-related medical conditions that may predispose individuals to dietary and vitamin deficiencies. To prevent vitamin deficiency diseases and their associated morbidity, modest vitamin supplementation may be necessary. However, supplementation should be reserved for individuals with documented deficiency or who are at risk of developing such deficiencies, especially those who are homebound or institutionalised. Vitamins taken in large dosages should be considered as drugs. These medicines, which are obtainable over-the-counter, should be carefully regulated to prevent toxicity.

FT was rated significantly higher (all p < 0.001) for ease of use and confidence, and was preferred over KP by people with diabetes, physicians and nurses. The features of FT may improve the insulin injection experience for a wide range of users. A limitation of the usability questionnaire employed in this study is that it did not assess the factors that influence preference. Additional analyses could be conducted using multivariate regression to help elucidate the features of FT that appeal to different users.

Diabetes mellitus is a significant and growing health concern worldwide. Unfortunately, type 2 diabetes mellitus is generally under-managed, and this may explain the increasing prevalence of diabetic complications throughout the world. The introduction of newer classes of antihyperglycemic agents should enhance the ability of clinicians to achieve optimal blood glucose control. One recent addition to the pharmacologic armamentarium is the thiazolidinedione class. The main effect of thiazolidinediones is amelioration of insulin resistance. These agents may also preserve beta-cell function, although evidence in favor of this effect is still inconclusive. The mechanism of action of thiazolidinediones is not completely understood. Similarly, the current state of knowledge cannot explain the differences in the lipid effects of pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. Thiazolidinediones are commonly used as add-on therapy for those requiring large daily doses of insulin therapy, or in addition to sulfonylurea agents and metformin for those reluctant to start insulin therapy. The potential role of thiazolidinediones as first-line therapy is now emerging. It is possible that in certain subgroups, particularly patients with renal failure, elderly individuals or those with corticosteroid-induced diabetes mellitus, the use of thiazolidinediones as a first-line therapy is justifiable. However, the lack of a long-term safety record, and the cost, would limit the widespread acceptance of this class of agents as first-line therapy.

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