Episode 11 - Optimizing Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Peter Salgo, MD, notes that the patient adherence rate to therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is less than 60 percent. Dr Salgo states that weight loss has been associated with improvement in adherence rate to T2DM therapy, as demonstrated by the SHIELD study. Dr Salgo and Maria Lopes, MD, MS, comment that short-term weight loss success can be a powerful motivator.

Dr Lopes remarks that although weight loss can help keep patients focused, support from the team of healthcare professionals involved in a patient’s care is also important. Dr Lopes comments that patient-centered approaches are effective, and innovative health information technology tools have been developed to help reach patients.

Kari Uusinarkaus, MD, FAAFP, FNLA, discusses the strategies that Colorado Springs Health Partners has implemented to help improve patient adherence, and Jeffrey D. Dunn, PharmD, MBA, describes managed care’s unique position when addressing adherence issues in T2DM.