Health Policy Forum: Recent and Upcoming Events

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Department of Health Policy Update and Highlights of Special Events

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Facing Up to Disparity in Health Care

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Preparing Medical Directors for the Genomics Age

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Health Policy Forum Update

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Health Policy Forum: Update on Medicare Disease Management Demonstration Projects

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The importance of individualized pharmaceutical therapy in the treatment of diabetes mellitus

Individualized pharmaceutical care for patients with diabetes is necessary for several reasons. First, diabetes is a highly complex disease caused by the interplay among genetic, physiological, and environmental factors that vary from individual to individual. Second, the profile of patients with diabetes has evolved to include people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, with varying medical histories and health behaviors. Third, diabetes often occurs concurrently with other medical conditions, especially in certain groups, such as the elderly. While the treatment goals for all patients with diabetes are the sameto stabilize and maintain healthy blood glucose levels to prevent serious complicationsthe treatment plan used to achieve those goals will vary among individuals. There are many clinically proven options available for the treatment of diabetes. While there are well-established guidelines regarding which intervention is the best option for patients with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, individual patient characteristics and needs should drive the care process. Assuring patient access to the wide variety of medications is crucial to meeting these needs and achieving quality, cost-effective diabetes management