Insulin therapy for management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: strategies for initiation and long-term patient adherence.

Effective glycemic control is essential to minimize the long-term complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it is well documented that many patients spend prolonged periods outside of the optimal glycemic range. The use of insulin is important to effectively control the disease process in patients with T2DM. Even so, resistance to insulin use among patients and healthcare providers often limits initiation and intensification of insulin therapy. With the increasing prevalence of T2DM across all socioeconomic strata, an expanded viewpoint of early and sustained insulin use is crucial to enhance glycemic control in patients. To manage the effects of T2DM on cardiovascular disease in the aging population, physicians can promote insulin therapy as an affordable and effective treatment option. The author reviews beliefs and myths about the use of insulin in the management of T2DM and discusses strategies to overcome barriers to initiation of insulin therapy in the primary care setting.