Monotherapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors
Sang Youl Rhee ; Hyun Jin Kim ; Seung-Hyun Ko ; Kyu-Yeon Hur ; Nan-Hee Kim ; Min Kyong Moon ; Seok-O Park ; Byung-Wan Lee ; Kyung Mook Choi ; Jin Hwa Kim
Diabetes mellitus, type 2 ; Hypoglycemic agents ; Metformin ; Practice guideline
Abstract
In order to improve the quality of life and to prevent chronic complications related to diabetes mellitus, intensive lifestyle modification
and proper medication are needed from the early stage of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). When using the
first medication for diabetic patients, the appropriate treatment should be selected considering the clinical characteristics of the
patient, efficacy of the drug, side effects, and cost. In general, the use of metformin as the first treatment for oral hypoglycemic
monotherapy is recommended because of its excellent blood glucose-lowering effect, relatively low side effects, long-term proven
safety, low risk of hypoglycemia, and low weight gain. If metformin is difficult to use as a first-line treatment, other appropriate
medications should be selected in view of the clinical situation. If the goal of achieving glycemic control is not achieved by monotherapy,
a combination therapy with different mechanisms of action should be initiated promptly.