Author:

Abstract:

The pharmacological therapy of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) has become increasingly complex. The goals are now more diverse and, in general, more stringent. The glycemic target (the glycosylated haemoglobin or HbA1c) and the medications prescribed to reach this goal, should be selected according to the individual characteristics of the patient and, if feasible, in agreement with him. The most relevant criteria to be considered are the glucose-lowering efficacy, the risk of hypoglycemia, the effect on the body weight, the side-effects and the costs. In this manuscript, the strategy proposed in the joint "position statement" published in 2012 by the "American Diabetes Association" (ADA) and the "European Association for the Study of Diabetes" (EASD) is summarized: especially the practical aspects for the clinician are highlighted. © 2013 Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde.