The Role of Incretin Therapeutics in Treating Diabetes and Reducing Cardiometabolic Risk

Introduction

The incidence of diabetes in the United States is increasing rapidly, affecting more than 23.5 million people over the age of 20, comprising 10.7% of that population. Of particular concern in this patient population are the macrovascular complications that significantly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiac events. In this program, leading clinicians discuss how exercise and weight loss can help maintain lipid and glycemic control to prevent these events. Presentations also address the limitations of currently available treatments that address glucose levels, but have not been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk. The incretin system is reviewed, and incretin-based therapies that are intended to restore the natural physiologic balance are assessed, with evidence from trials that show their affect on cardiometabolic markers. The physician assistant plays a crucial role in patients with diabetes, encouraging them to make better lifestyle choices, adhere to medications, and educating them on the larger goals of their treatment to reduce their cardiovascular risk profile.

Powerpoint Slides

For your convenience, the powerpoint slides for this presentation may be downloaded by clicking here.

CME Credit

This program has been reviewed and is approved for 1.75 hours of AAPA Category I CME Credit. After viewing the webcast AAPA Fellow members may complete the post-test by clicking here. Expiration Date: August 2010.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the activity, participants should be able to:

Discuss incretin physiology and explain the impairment of incretin activity in type 2 diabetes.
Describe the role of incretin therapeutics in the treatment of type 2 diabetes by reviewing case presentations.
Interpret clinical study data and case presentations that investigate the safe and effective use of incretin therapeutics alone and with other current therapies for type 2 diabetes.
Evaluate clinical study data that assess incretin therapeutics in the prevention and treatment of obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors.

Faculty/Presenter Info

Course Chair
Joseph Largay, PA-C, CDE
Clinical Instructor
Department of Medicine
Director, Diabetes Care Center
Clinical Trials Program
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC

Faculty
Ken Fujioka, MD
Director, Center for Weight Management
Director, Nutrition and Metabolic Research Center
Scripps Clinic
San Diego, CA

Robert D. Hadley, PhD, PA-C
Associate Professor
Jefferson College of Health Sciences
PA Program
Roanoke, VA

Faculty Disclosure Statement

The faculty reported the following:

Ken Fujioka, MD, discloses the following financial relationships: Research Grant - Amylin, Arena, BMS, Enteromedics, Galaxo (GSK), Nastech, Pfizer, Merck, Obecure, Orexigen, Sanofi. Consultant - Amylin, Merck, Sanofi.

Robert D. Hadley, PhD, PA-C, has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Joseph Largay, PA-C, CDE, discloses the following financial relationships: Honorarium- Amylin, AstraZeneca, Novo-Nordisk, Peer Group, Smith's Medical. Consultant- AstraZeneca. Grants/Research Support- Amylin, Hoffman-LaRoche, Medtronic, Novo-Nordisk, Novartis, Osiris, Pfizer, NIH/NHLBI, Tranistion Therapeutics, Tolerx. Speaker's Bureau- Amylin, Novo-Nordisk, Smith's Medical.

Statement of Commercial Support

This activity is supported by an educational grant from Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Eli Lilly and Company.