Emerging alternatives in the comprehensive management of a chronic disease: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Keywords:
Glycemic control, personalized medicine, natural products, gut microbiota, diabetesAbstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus constitutes a growing challenge for global and national public health due to its high prevalence. The objective of this research was to analyze recent advances in disease management, with an emphasis on the role of combination therapies and complementary therapeutic alternatives. To this end, searches were carried out in academic databases and international clinical guidelines, selecting articles published in the last five years based on predefined inclusion criteria. Descriptive methods and bibliometric analysis were applied, which made it possible to identify trends and gaps in scientific production. The results showed that combinations of metformin with SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and other hypoglycemic agents offered greater efficacy than monotherapy, improving glycemic control, promoting weight loss, and reducing cardiovascular risk. The potential of natural products and whey proteins was also highlighted as complementary options that contributed to modulating insulin sensitivity and metabolic regulation. Furthermore, the gut microbiota was identified as playing an emerging role in treatment efficacy and therapeutic personalization. Among the limitations, high cost and patient adherence were noted, underscoring the need for multidisciplinary interventions. In conclusion, the evidence analyzed demonstrated that combination therapies, integrated with non-pharmacological strategies and personalized approaches, represent a relevant and promising advance in the comprehensive care of type 2 diabetes.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Blanca Cristina Estrella-López, Roberto Javier Aguilar-Berrezueta, Silvio Amable Machuca-Vivar

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