[Safety and tolerability of oral antidiabetes drugs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus]

Abstract

The treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus requires overall control of the multiple risk factors usually found in these patients. Amongst these, avoidance of hypoglycemia and treatment of obesity, especially central obesity, is of utmost importance. Consequently, among the various physiopathological approaches to improve glycemic control that do not include insulin, drugs that are not associated with increased risk of hypoglycaemia or increase weight are of special interest. Hence, the new incretin-based oral antidiabetes drugs are of great relevance, given their weight neutrality and very low risk of hypoglycaemia. Safety is clearly a factor to be considered in patients who will be exposed to these drugs for decades, not only to avoid severe adverse effects--which is essential--but also to guarantee long-term compliance.