Because of evidence that beta-cell failure occurs earlier and more severely in patients with type 2 diabetes, a new consensus statement suggests that greater emphasis be placed on regular glycemic screening. It is also recommended that greater emphasis be placed on early identification of patients at metabolic risk and on prompt and aggressive intervention.
The consensus statement, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, was written by a group of researchers, clinical endocrinologists and primary care physicians who convened to consider updated information about how pancreatic beta-cell defects should alter the treatment for diabetes. The Endocrine Society organized the group.