Drugs in Context Endocrinology welcomes a broad range of article types including original research, study protocols and review articles.
In line with the principle of providing context for healthcare professionals (HCPs) to properly inform and improve disease management in real world medicine, we especially encourage the submission of articles that provide context for trials of drug interventions in order to motivate improvements in disease management by HCPs practising medicine in the front line.
Review
Once changes in lifestyle have failed, treatment for gestational diabetes mellitus remains a matter of debate. In this article the authors review the evidence for glyburide and metformin, and discuss the role of insulin. Also, recommendations for postpartum screening and how to manage patients who are breastfeeding are described.
Review
Many of the agents used to treat type 2 diabetes have undesirable adverse effects of hypoglycemia and weight gain. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists represent a unique approach to the treatment of diabetes. In this article the authors discuss the various GLP-1 receptor agonists available on the market, specifically focusing on their relative efficacy, safety, and clinical differences as well as their potential benefits in addition to glucose lowering in type 2 diabetes, and describe the adverse effects and toxicities seen with these agents.
Original Research
Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often requires intervention with oral and injectable therapies. Across National Health Service (NHS) England, injectable therapies may be initiated in secondary, intermediate or primary care. This original research set out to understand resource utilization, the pathways of care, clinical outcomes, and experience of patients with T2DM
initiated on injectable therapies.
Review
Although several treatment options are available to reduce hyperglycemia, only about half of individuals with diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) achieve recommended glycemic targets. New agents that reduce blood glucose concentrations by novel mechanisms and have acceptable safety profiles are needed to improve glycemic control and reduce complications. This article reviews the evidence from clinical trials and suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors are a promising new treatment option for T2DM.
Review
Type 2 diabetes is increasing in prevalence worldwide, and hyperglycemia is often poorly controlled despite a number of therapeutic options.
Unlike previously available agents, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors offer an insulin-independent mechanism for improving blood glucose levels, since they promote urinary glucose excretion by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidney.
In this article, the author discusses empagliflozin and based on available data, it appears that this drug may be a useful option in a range of patients; however, clinical decisions will be better informed by the results of ongoing studies, in particular, a large cardiovascular outcome study (EMPA-REG OUTCOME™).
