Diabetes mellitus is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with disturbances of carbohydrate , fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion , insulin action , or both . The prevalence of diabetes is rapidly rising all over the globe at an alarming rate . Recent advances in the treatment of type 2 diabetes seek to address these shortfalls . Modern oral hypoglycemic agents may be used with or in place of traditional therapies . Analogue insulins , whose pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties allow patients improved lifestyle flexibility compared with regular insulin , have done much to improve glycemic control . Using these new classes of therapy , physicians should strive to help patients understand and reach the targets for control that we know to be beneficial for the majority of individuals .