Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Diabetes Mellitus: From Pathophysiology to Pharmacotherapy

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a major chronic metabolic disorder requiring comprehensive and individualized therapeutic management to achieve glycemic control, prevent complications, and improve patients’ quality of life. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Diabetes Mellitus provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific principles and clinical practices underlying the pharmacological management of diabetes mellitus. This book begins with the foundations of clinical pharmacology, emphasizing pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics, rational pharmacotherapy, medication adherence, and medication safety. It subsequently examines the pathophysiology and clinical classification of diabetes, highlighting the mechanisms responsible for insulin deficiency, insulin resistance, and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. The book further explores contemporary pharmacological approaches to diabetes management, including oral glucose-lowering agents, incretin-based therapies, sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, and insulin preparations. Particular attention is given to their mechanisms of action, therapeutic benefits, adverse effects, contraindications, drug interactions, and clinical monitoring requirements. The role of insulin in type 1 diabetes and the management of challenging clinical situations in diabetes care is also addressed. In addition, the volume considers the importance of cardiovascular and renal protection, weight management, combination therapy, and appropriate treatment intensification in patients with type 2 diabetes. Medication safety remains a central theme throughout the book, with emphasis on medication errors, adverse drug reactions, polypharmacy, treatment complexity, and adherence-related challenges. By integrating fundamental pharmacological concepts with clinically relevant therapeutic applications, this volume aims to support pharmacy and medical students, postgraduate researchers, clinical pharmacists, and healthcare professionals in developing a structured understanding of diabetes pharmacotherapy. Overall, the book emphasizes evidence-based prescribing, individualized treatment, medication safety, and patient-centred care as essential principles for optimizing therapeutic outcomes and reducing the long-term burden of diabetes mellitus.