CONCLUSION
Metformin is safe, efficacious, and recommended as a firstline therapy. However, even the best and most effective medication is no good if not taken. Adverse effects, convenience, fears—as perceived by the patient—will ultimately determine treatment success. Therefore, it is often necessary and appropriate to consider other agents in order to meet both the glycemic challenges and the personal choice of patients.
HCPs must incorporate a glucose-centric approach when initiating and advancing noninsulin therapies in order to maximize efficacy, safety, tolerability, and adherence. We must engage patients and involve them as partners in shared decision making. Merging the science of the medications along with realistic preferences of patients solidifies a better provider-patient relationship that will increase the likelihood of meeting glycemic goals and preventing diabetes-related complications and burdens.
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