FPR ISSUE: November

Dr. Chisolm is a clinical instructor at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, Houston.

Most patients with type 2 diabetes will eventually require insulin to adequately control their blood glucose levels. Various clinical trials have shown that initiation of insulin using long-acting insulin analogs is an effective treatment. Case studies presented here give practical examples of insulin initiation protocols. Careful patient education can help alleviate patient concerns about insulin.

ABSTRACT

For the last few years, many hormonal contraceptives have been introduced. These products were developed to increase compliance by lengthening the dosing interval, to decrease the dose of ethinyl estradiol, and to reduce the amount of vaginal bleeding by extending exposure to hormonally active pills or by incorporating progestin into an intrauterine device. After heated political debate, emergency contraception is available over the counter for women 18 and older. This article offers a practical synopsis regarding new hormonal contraceptives.

QUICK POINTS

• Taking the hormonally active pills continuously without the 7 placebo pills has been practiced for years by physicians and patients.

• Levonorgestrel for emergency contraception is just as effective if given in one 1.5-mg dose as in two 0.75-doses 12 hours apart.

• About 75% of men would try a hormonal contraceptive, but research has been limited by the parenteral delivery of testosterone.

Dr. Davtyan is associate professor of medicine, division of general internal medicine, Iris Cantor-UCLA Women's Health Center, Los Angeles, Calif.

ABSTRACT

Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in the outpatient setting. A complete history and physical examination and appropriate radiographs are essential in making a diagnosis. Among the causes of knee pain the family physician is likely to see are traumatic injury to the anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral liament, and menisci; osteoarthritis in the older athlete; and iliotibial band tendinitis and patellofemoral pain syndrome in recreational runners.

Dr. Pecci is assistant clinical professor of family medicine, Boston Medical Center, director of primary care sports medicine, Boston University, and team physician, Boston University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology athletic programs.

Dr. Malhotra is director, Sleep Disorders Clinic, and clinical lecturer, department of neurology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor. Dr. Quan is professor of family medicine, department of family medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and editor in chief of Family Practice Recertification.

Dr. Stulberg is associate professor, department of family and community medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque

Dr. Stulberg is associate professor, department of family and community medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque

Choose the one best answer for each question or incomplete statement.

Dr. Collins is professor, department of radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Dr. Quan is professor of family medicine, department of family medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He is also editor in chief of Family Practice Recertification.