In this talk, the speaker will discuss goals of treatment as it relates to microvascular complication risk reduction and reasons for using insulin in specific populations, focusing on type 2 diabetes. Additionally, learners will review currently available short- and long-acting insulins on the U.S. market and associated risks and benefits of use. Finally, the speaker will expand on the practical use of insulin (i.e., when to start, how to titrate, etc.).

This series of interactive cases will provide an opportunity for the learner to increase their knowledge in the management of people with type 2 diabetes on insulin therapy. The cases will illustrate expert guidelines and general strategies around use of insulin and combinations of injectables for type 2 diabetes, including a practical approach to the initiation and intensification of basal insulin. You will learn the advantages and disadvantages of combination injectable medications as well as how to use them safely and appropriately.

Individualized care is crucial to successful type 2 diabetes (T2DM) management. The emergence of newer oral therapies that not only help to improve glycemic control but also reduce cardiovascular and other risks has dramatically changed the landscape of diabetes care. Understanding when and how to intensify treatment with this expanded toolbox is challenging for clinicians. By reviewing the latest guidelines and clinical data, participants will receive practical strategies to maximize and combine oral therapies, increase adherence, and individualize care in the treatment of diabetes.

The talk focuses on the evidence for short- and long-term benefits of achieving and maintaining glycemic control in patients with T2D, and discusses options for lifestyle and medication management to achieve such control. Randomized controlled trials that will provide new information about optimal management approaches, such as the NIH's GRADE trial, will be discussed. In particular, the results of recent Cardiovascular Outcomes Trials for newer diabetes medications highlight the importance of CV prevention in patients with T2DM.

This session will review a number of clinically relevant trials/topics recently presented at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions in March 2017, including updates in the management of patients with hypercholesterolemia, heart failure, valvular heart disease, arrhythmias, and more.