Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a review of complications, common pathways and role of pharmacist in patient counseling

Diabetes Mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases in which defects in insulin secretion or action result in elevated blood glucose. It is a major public health issue that affects over 285 million people globally. Diabetes is sighted as one of the leading causes of blindness, kidney failure, cardiovascular events and lower limb. Data from the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) and the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) shows that controlling hyperglycemia is critical for the reduction of negative clinical outcomes in diabetic patients. AGEs, oxidative stress, low grade inflammation and neovascularization of vasa vasorum paves the way for developing diabetic complications. The aim of the article is to review the published studies that examine the complications of Type 2 diabetes and the role of pharmacists on diabetes prevention and care. Pharmacists should identify the patients having diabetes and patient education should be provided. Humanistic outcomes like quality of life must also be taken into account while considering the clinical outcomes of the diabetes patients.