New information on the state of impaired glucose tolerance indicates that the level of beta cell loss is greater than once considered. New treatment regimens are being considered to combat both the insulin sensitivity and beta cell loss for type 2 diabetes. What do health care professionals need to understand about the critical first steps in both the assessment and treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes? Join host Dr. Steven Edelman and his guest, professor of medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Dr. Ralph DeFronzo, as they discuss the potential of early combination and triple therapy to preserve beta cell function.