To make sure scientific advances in diabetes care filter down to people with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association created the Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. Updated annually, the Standards of Care are a detailed compilation of best practice recommendations for shaping diabetes care for people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
The Standards of Care are evidence-based, which means they are guided by the latest research and advances in care. Rather than allow research to potentially remain bottled up in the medical literature, the ADA turns findings into action items that can improve the health of people with diabetes.
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While the Standards of Care are aimed primarily at health care providers, becoming familiar with the most important recommendations can empower people with diabetes and those who are at risk for the disease to take control of their health. These recommendations are meant to be integrated into everyday health management. While the 2016 Standards maintain many of the best practice recommendations from 2015, there are notable updates:
Weight management: Losing a little weight can be a health bonanza for people with or at risk for diabetes who are overweight or obese. To acknowledge the importance of weight management in diabetes, the 2016 Standards included a new chapter that highlights how losing or maintaining weight can delay progression from prediabetes to Type 2 diabetes, and can also make it easier to control Type 2 diabetes. The new section also describes how to individualize a weight loss action plan. Based on your own health needs, work with your doctor, dietitian or diabetes educator to learn how these recommendations can be tailored for you.
Technology for all: A new recommendation was added to expand access for people who use continuous glucose monitoring devices and insulin pumps. The recommendation states that users should have continued access, through health insurance policies, to the health care devices that work for them after they turn 65 years of age. Currently, Medicare does not routinely cover continuous glucose monitors. It does, however, cover insulin pumps for people who meet certain criteria.
[See: How to Cope With Gestational Diabetes.]
Heart health: Heart health is important for everyone, but particularly for those with or at risk for diabetes, since it’s the leading cause of death for people with diabetes. New recommendations seek to decrease the risk of heart disease, including stating, for example, that health care providers should consider aspirin therapy for women with diabetes starting at age 50, instead of starting at age 60. This recommendation is based on the results of a new study confirming that beginning aspirin therapy at a younger age could save lives. Talk with your health care team about heart health and which options, including nutrition and activity recommendations, may be relevant to you for optimal diabetes management.
Family matters: Diabetes is a challenging disease, particularly for children and adolescents, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. The 2016 Standards added recommendations to address the psychological burden of diabetes for youth. Notably, these recommendations underscore that no matter how sound a medical regimen is for Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, it can only be effective if it works for the family on a day-to-day basis. Ask your health care team about these recommendations and discuss ways to ease the emotional stress of diabetes management for any family member with diabetes.
Individualized care: The 2016 Standards address tough issues related to diabetes care in vulnerable populations, including recommendations for those with food insecurity, cognitive dysfunction, mental illness and HIV. If you are managing or are at risk for diabetes and fall into one of these groups, your diabetes care can be tailored to meet your needs. Please share your needs with your doctor and diabetes education team, so they can help.
For more information and free diabetes resources, call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES, or email askada@diabetes.org.
[See: The Best Diets to Prevent — and Manage — Diabetes.]
Diabetes is a complicated disease that can lead to additional serious health problems such as blindness, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetic nerve pain and loss of limbs. Staying up to date on the newest standards and talking with your health care team about how to make the most of your medical appointments to improve your health, can reduce or delay the risk of long-term complications.
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To Improve Diabetes Management, Know the Latest Standards of Care originally appeared on usnews.com
