[Commemorating the 30th anniversary of foundation the journal Lege Artis Me­di­cinae, the author endeavours to review the main developments of diabetology in the same period and arranges their reflections on the journal’s pages. He points out that similar to many other disciplines, the history of development has extremely been rich in the past three decades, thus he focused only on a few issues. The author analyses the changes in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and highlights specific aspects like the importance of early metabolic control, individualized treatment choices, a risk-oriented approach instead of a glucocentric direction, and the role of patient education and a health-conscious lifestyle, which have resulted in the holistic approach of our therapeutic strategy. While using relevant quotes, the author shows that the readers of the journal were also able to keep pace with all events and they were always provided with relevant information by au­thentic specialists of diabetology. ]

[Self-monitoring of blood sugar levels is an essential element in the treatment of diabetes, it provides an insight to the success of treatment and self-management, the development of metabolic processes, and ensures the early recognition and treatment of significant blood sugar fluctuations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the habits of self-monitoring of sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, and among them the frequency, recognition and treatment of hypo- and hyperglycemia. The research was conducted as a cross-sectional study in 2018 in the Health Centre in Subotica/Serbia. The sample included 107 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected through interviews with patients using a customized questionnaire, during the regular control examinations. The patients’ level of blood sugar in the capillary blood was measured by glucometer. The statistical package IBM-SPSS 20.0 and descriptive analytic methods were used for data analysis. The mean age of the sample was 63.7 ± 7.7 years. Two-thirds of them performed opportunistic self-monitoring mostly before breakfast. A large number of patients never recognized variations of blood glucose (in 65% hyperglycemia and in 51% hypoglycemia). However, a month before 81% of patients had hyper- and 31% hypoglycemic episodes respectively. 12% of patients did not take any action in such cases. It is recommended to emphasize again and again the importance and way of self-monitoring at each follow-up examination. The shortcomings identified in the study provide guidelines what to focus on when caring for diabetic patients.]

[Insulin aspart (B28 Asp-insulin), which is produced by recombinant DNA technology, is a fast-acting insulin analogue. Due to the aspartate for proline substitution at position 28 of the Bchain, the insulin molecule's tendency for selfassociation is diminished, therefore, insulin aspart rapidly dissociates into dimeric and monomeric forms and absorbs quickly and easily after subcutaneous administration. Compared to human regular insulin, insulin aspart has a faster onset of activity, a higher plasma peak and a shorter duration of action. Overall, the pharmacokinetic profile of insulin aspart better mimics the physiological postprandial insulin secretion. Therefore, insulin aspart can be used for prandial insulin substitution in order to decrease postprandial blood glucose excursion. It should be administered immediately before meals, but some observations suggest that it can also be used after finishing meal. This allows a more flexible lifestyle for patients. Insulin aspart can be used in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Compared to regular human insulin, a moderate decrease in the HbA1c values and fewer nocturnal hypoglycaemic events are expected from insulin aspart use. Insulin aspart is appropriate for pump treatment as well. It has recently been approved for use in pregnancy, whereas for children and adolescents the expected benefits should be weighed against the more modest clinical experience available. Similarly to other insulin analogues, results of long-term clinical investigations with insulin aspart with regard to the development of complications are not yet available.]

[Therapeutic patient education is a lifelong educational activity. As an approach focus­ed on the needs, values and therapeutic strategies of patients, it promotes an increase in patients’ knowledge and skills according to the disease, results in a better quality of life, increased therapeutic compliance and a decrease of complications. Patients become partners and health care providers become coaches. Many type-2 diabetes patients re­fuse insulin therapy, even when this modality of treatment is indicated. This paper aims to explore diabetic patients’ reasons of accepting insulin therapy and the initial barriers to its use, as well as relat­ed education requirements.]