With the increased number of oral hypoglycemic drugs, diabetes specialists agree that it is now possible to achieve better glycemic control than ever before. In a recent survey of members of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 90% of those who responded said they use 3 or more agents in combination, and 65% use 4 or more to achieve control in their patients with type 2 diabetes.

The survey also uncovered problems with the use of drug combinations, however:

• 75% noted expense -- the cost for therapy with the newer pharmaceutical agents is, on average, $1700 per year per drug
• 66% cited side effects
• 61% listed monitoring difficulties
• 54% reported hypoglycemia

In addition, about a third of the respondents cited aversion to polypharmacy -- or a dislike of taking more than one drug -- as a problem.

If you are having difficulty reaching your target glucose levels, talk to your doctor about trying a different medication instead of -- or in addition to -- what you are currently taking. Since the different classes of drugs have different mechanisms of action, combining them provides improved control.

Related information: Oral medications