Revisiting the strategies for the pharmacological management of type 2 diabetes – From glycemic control, organ protection, safety to weight reduction

With the development of several new classes of anti‐diabetic drugs in the past decade, the concept for the pharmacological management of type 2 diabetes is evolving from ‘glycemic control’ to ‘organ protection’. Besides, the increase in the prevalence of an aging population urges a strategy focusing on safety and de‐intensification. In the coming years, with the development of several novel and potent anti‐obesity drugs, the ‘weight‐centric’ strategy is expected to gain more and more attention in the treatment of diabetes, since it can both prevent diabetic complications and optimize the quality of life. With all these strategies, clinicians should consider the patient’s clinical characteristics and make an individualized goal through shared decision making with the patient.[Image: see text]