Diabetes Standards of Care Overview

Aug 24, 2024

Ask Dr. Bob - Diabetes Standards of Care

Introduction

  • Hosted by Dr. Bob Gab, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at American Diabetes Association.
  • Year 4 of the "Ask Dr. Bob" series focusing on diabetes.
  • Current theme: Standards of Care in Diabetes, recently published by the American Diabetes Association.

Standards of Care

  • Annual publication serving as a comprehensive guideline for healthcare professionals on diabetes care.
  • Involves a review of the latest scientific research and recommendations by the Professional Practice Committee.
  • Accessible through an app, used by healthcare professionals globally.

Coverage

  • Includes all types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes.
  • Addresses care for different age groups: pediatrics, young adults, general population, older adults.

Key Updates

Cardiovascular Disease

  • Leading cause of death for people with diabetes.
  • Screening for Heart Failure:
    • New blood tests (BNP, proBNP) for early detection of heart failure risk.
    • Recommended for those with diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease:
    • New screening recommendation using Ankle Brachial Index (ABI).
    • Suggested for individuals over 50 with diabetes complications, or diabetes for more than 10 years.

Obesity

  • Medications:
    • First-line medications are Semaglutide (OIC, Wovi) and Tepati (M Jarro).
  • Measurements:
    • Besides BMI, consider waist-to-hip ratio or waist size as obesity measures.

Type 1 Diabetes Updates

  • Misdiagnosis Prevention:
    • Recommendations to distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in adults.
  • Staging of Type 1 Diabetes:
    • Stage 1: Normal glucose, presence of predictive antibodies.
    • Stage 2: Abnormal glucose levels, not yet diabetic, presence of antibodies.
    • Stage 3: Elevated glucose levels, diagnosable diabetes.
  • Stage 2 Treatment:
    • New medication (Tmb CED) can delay onset of Type 1 diabetes.

Other Complications

  • Bone Health:
    • Increased fracture risk in diabetes patients.
    • Recommendation for Bone Mineral Density test for those 65+, or younger with osteoporosis risk factors.

Lifestyle Changes

  • Religious Fasting:
    • Guidelines for managing diabetes during fasting.
  • Fear of Hypoglycemia:
    • Health care professionals should screen for it.
  • Sleep:
    • Promote good sleep; manage diabetes impact on sleep.

Technology in Diabetes Care

  • Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM):
    • Essential for modern diabetes management.
    • Training programs available for healthcare professionals.
  • AI for Retinal Photography:
    • FDA-approved AI can read retinal photographs for diabetic retinopathy.
  • Early Technology Adoption:
    • Encourage early use of CGM and insulin pumps for newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetics.

Resources

  • Full document and app available at the American Diabetes Association website.
  • Future version tailored for laypeople in development.

Conclusion

  • Follow Dr. Bob on social media for updates.
  • Stay tuned for format changes in "Ask Dr. Bob" next year.
  • Encouragement to share information with others who may benefit.

  • Note: These notes are intended as an overview and additional details can be found through the ADA's resources.