I just spent the day in a conference talking about the genetic differences in different ethnic groups, and how that affects both causes and treatments for diseases such as cancer, congestive heart failure, and hypertension. I personally know how genetics can have an effect, because I lack the proper gene …

Woman, 67 years of age, newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes with an A1C of 7.8%. Met with PCP who prescribed metformin ER and referred patient for diabetes education. Patient made some dietary and physical activity changes at first, but upon return visit her A1C was 8.5%. She reported she did not take the metformin. “I can’t swallow big pills. The bottle said not to crush or break the tablets. They were just too big to swallow. So then I just gave up on everything.”

In this week's Homerun Slides, targets and therapies for type 2 diabetes based on patient characteristics and A1C.

Age- and sex-specific prevalence of type 2 diabetes in different ethnic groups: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is now taking its place as one of the main threats to human health in the twenty-first century. In 1921, Dr Elliot Joslin was already concerned that according to his count there had been a doubling of diabetes in three decades. The impact of T2DM is increasingly felt around the world, with its prevalence rising dramatically over recent decades.

In part 3 of this Exclusive Interview, Dr. Rhinehart shares his thoughts with DIC publisher Steve Freed on the benefits of SGLT-2 and GLP-1s. What do these new medications offer when it comes to costs, side effects and staying on top of the research to help facilitate use in the right patients?