If you do enough interviews you are bound to get a few great ones. Often when we talk to researchers they either hold back on information that they are afraid to share or they try to be experts on everything we ask them. Our publisher, Steve Freed, had a chance to chat with Dr. David D'Alessio, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Cincinnati, about GLP-1-like compounds, beta cells and glucose toxicity. Dr. D'Alessio presented research on these topics at the recent ADA Scientific Sessions -- his information was eye-opening to say the least and may help explain why some of our patients have problems no matter what we try.

Our Survey Analysis continues this week with a close look at our readers' prescribing habits and reasons for choosing GLP-1 analogs. And this week our Case Study focuses on the selection of a GLP-1 analog for improving glucose levels.

This week we finish our analysis of our GLP-1 survey results with a look at prescribing reasons and habits, and how your colleagues decide on GLP-1 analog or DPP-4 inhibitor therapy. Most of the respondents favored Victoza but not as by as wide a margin as expected. Prescribers had a more even split as to which GLP1-Agonist they preferred than non-prescribers. The most common comment was that the once a day dosing of Victoza was a big advantage....

Given that Mark is already obese and has gained more weight since commencing glimepiride, and given Mark's worrying episodes of hypoglycemia, you decide to stop glimepiride and commence a GLP-1 receptor agonist....

What are the effects of using a GLP-1 drug when on the Atkins diet and a low-fat diet? Who are the best candidates for using a GLP-1 drug? Can GLP-1 drugs reduce apoptosis and increase betacell regeneration? Our publisher, Steve Freed, asks these questions and much more of Dr. David D'Alessio, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Cincinnati, and the Albert Vontz chair in Diabetes Research....

Over the past few weeks we have been looking at your colleagues' responses to questions about GLP-1, including mechanisms, interactions, dosing and effectiveness. Over the next two weeks we will examine some of your opinions on starting doses and selecting patients....

This week we examine more of your responses regarding GLP-1 therapy....

We asked our readers to give us feedback into how much they knew about GLP-1 Analogs and a broad cross-section replied. Take a look at 5 of the questions and how your colleagues answered....