Navigating Diabetes: A Guide to Effective Oral Treatments

Program Description

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends initiating pharmacotherapy promptly upon diagnosis, using oral and/or injectable agents within a person-centered, shared decision-making approach. While injectable therapies are available, oral medications remain essential in treatment guidelines, particularly for patients who prefer or require non-injectable options. Pharmacists must be knowledgeable about the available oral diabetes medications to optimize individualized treatment plans. This activity will review the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety of oral therapies for T2D. This article will compare available oral diabetes medication options and equip pharmacists to determine their appropriate use in clinical practice.

Target audience: Community and health-system pharmacists

Type of activity: Knowledge

Release date: March 21, 2025

Expiration date: March 21, 2026

Estimated time to complete activity: 1.0 hour

Learner level: Foundational
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Compare and contrast the mechanisms of action of available oral diabetes medications
• Review when to use oral diabetes medications for patients with type 2 diabetes

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-25-008-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through March 21, 2026.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, review the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Faculty

Alyssa Ford, PharmD, BCACP

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education^™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Aleksandra Thomas; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta; and Rebecca Green

Pharmacy Times^® Editorial Staff—Aislinn Antrim

An anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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