In Brief This study investigates carbohydrate counting accuracy in patients using insulin through a multiple daily injection regimen or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. The average accuracy test score for all patients was 59%. The carbohydrate test in this study can be used to emphasize the importance of carbohydrate counting to patients and to provide ongoing education.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by relative or absolute insulin deficiency. Despite treatment with insulin therapy, glycemic goals are not always met, and insulin therapy is sometimes limited by adverse effects, including hypoglycemia and weight gain. Several adjunctive therapies have been evaluated in combination with insulin in patients with T1DM to improve glycemic control while minimizing adverse effects. Pramlintide, an amylin analog, can improve glycemic control, primarily through lowering postprandial blood glucose levels. Patients may experience weight loss and an increased risk of hypoglycemia and require additional mealtime injections. Metformin provides an inexpensive, oral treatment option and may reduce blood glucose, especially in overweight or obese patients with minimal risk of hypoglycemia. Metformin may be more effective in patients with impaired insulin sensitivity. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists reduce primarily postprandial blood glucose and insulin dose and promote weight loss. They are expensive, cause transient nausea, may increase risk of hypoglycemia and require additional injections. Sodium–glucose transport-2 inhibitors improve glycemic control, promote weight loss and have low risk of hypoglycemia with appropriate insulin adjustment; however, these agents may increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis in patients with T1DM. Patient-specific characteristics should be considered when selecting adjunctive therapy for patients with T1DM. Close monitoring, insulin dose adjustments and patient education are all important to ensure safe and effective use of these agents.

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is highly prevalent in women with diabetes mellitus (DM), yet it remains unaddressed, undiagnosed, and untreated. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is the most common complaint among women with FSD, but there is a paucity of research into its multifactorial etiology. Flibanserin is the only therapy approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treating acquired, generalized HSDD in premenopausal women. Women with DM diagnosed with HSDD may require a multidisciplinary approach for optimal management.

Since the late 1970s, self-monitoring of blood glucose has been the standard for assessing daily glycemic control. The first continuous glucose monitor became available in 1999. Numerous clinical trials have documented the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the data supporting the use of CGM in type 2 DM patients are less substantial. This review article examines the clinical evidence for using CGM in patients with type 2 DM. An extensive literature search was performed to identify relevant studies for this review. Articles published in English from 2000 to May 2010 were identified through searches of PubMed and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts databases using the search terms type 2 DM and continuous glucose monitoring. Relevant references were examined for additional articles. The literature search revealed 27 original articles and reviews, 12 of which were included in this review. Five out of the 12 studies reviewed showed a decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin using CGM in patients with type 2 DM. The use of CGM in patients with type 2 DM can improve glycemic control, but other benefits include modification of diet and exercise, detection of unrecognized hypoglycemia, and identification of hyperglycemia excursions.