An estimated 30.3 million Americans have type 2 diabetes (T2D), a complex, progressive disease that requires intensified treatment over time.1-3 The complexity of T2D management, coupled with the need to tailor treatment recommendations to individual patients, presents an ongoing clinical challenge. The number and variety of treatment options available for T2D has increased dramatically in the last 15 years, with several new drug classes emerging as safe and effective.2,4,5
In tandem with this, over the past decade, U.S. patient control of glucose and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors has improved, and rates of diabetes complications have decreased.6 Nevertheless, despite the increased range of treatment options for T2D, one-third to nearly one-half of all patients still do not meet treatment goals for glucose, blood pressure, or lipids, and only 14.3% meet goals for all three risk factors.7 Additionally, hypoglycemia is now also recognized as an underappreciated risk factor for morbidity and mortality in T2D.8
While increased pharmacotherapeutic choice has provided improved opportunities to individualize patient care, it has also led to more complex decision-making.2,9 With new treatments, it is now possible to individualize care to target each patient’s unique needs.2 Novel agents, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), offer effective A1C lowering with a variety of agent-specific benefits, including weight loss and decreased CV risk.2,4,5,10 Results of recent CV outcomes trials have illuminated the potential for prescribing T2D therapies for benefits beyond glucose control, including CV risk reduction and potential renal benefits; recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved new indications for several agents related to decreased CV event risk.11,12
To best develop individualized disease management strategies, clinicians require ongoing education on available treatment options for T2D and the most recent and emerging clinical data on these pharmacotherapies. Thus, AACE proposes an educational program focused on new noninsulin injectable therapies. This program will provide physicians with the information they need to differentiate the risk: benefit profiles of newer noninsulin injectable therapies and to apply appropriate treatment strategies for patients with T2D, taking into consideration patient needs such as CV risk and renal function. This education will be provided at a live satellite symposium event, which will include interactive lectures with case studies and a collaborative “Ask an Endocrinologist” session wherein attendees are encouraged to discuss difficult cases.
Needs Assessment
Sources of Need
To identify healthcare performance gaps, barriers to closing these gaps, and educational needs for the target audience, the following approaches were utilized:
- Searched and reviewed current relevant literature through evidence-based online articles
- Current treatment guidelines for patients with T2D
- U.S. Federal Government resources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Available published literature on physician and other clinician needs as regards type 2 diabetes management
- Expert physician interview
*This activity is provided by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
*This program is supported by an independent educational grant from Novo Nordisk.
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Target Audience
Endocrinologists and other healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Learning Objectives
- Explain the role of GLP-1 RAs in T2D management and their mechanism(s) of action
- Discuss clinical study results regarding the CV outcomes associated GLP-1 RA use in patients with T2D
- Evaluate renal outcomes associated with GLP-1 RA use in patients with T2D
- Design effective T2D management strategies integrating GLP-1 RAs as dual or triple therapy, as appropriate, to meet individual patient needs