The ADA’s Standards of Care provide clinicians, patients, researchers, payers, and other interested individuals with the components of good diabetes management, general treatment goals, and tools to evaluate the quality of care. Importantly, these recommendations should be adjusted based on individual preferences, comorbidities, and other patient-related factors.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology—Clinical practice guidelines for developing a diabetes mellitus comprehensive care plan—2015.

Handelsman Y, Bloomgarden ZT, Grunberger G, et al. Endocr Pract. 2015;21(suppl 1):1-87.

These 2015 clinical practice guidelines provide a practical guide for comprehensive care that incorporates an integrated consideration of microvascular and macrovascular risk—including such cardiovascular risk factors as lipids, hypertension, and coagulation—rather than focusing only on glycemic control. The guidelines emphasize individualized targets for weight loss, glucose, lipid, and blood pressure, and contain updated information on hypertension management, nephropathy management, hypoglycemia, and antihyperglycemic therapy.

AACE/ACE comprehensive diabetes management algorithm 2015.

Garber AJ, Abrahamson MJ, Barzilay JI, et al. Endocr Pract. 2015;21(4):438-447.

This algorithm from the AACE addresses evaluating the whole patient, potential risks and complications, and evidence-based treatment approaches for diabetes. The document contains sections on obesity, prediabetes, hyperglycemia therapy (lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and insulin), hypertension management, hyperlipidemia treatment, and other risk-reduction strategies.

Patient Resource

D iabetes HealthSense

Provides easy access to resources to help patients live well and meet their goals—whether they have diabetes or are at risk for disease.

Patient Education Handout

This leaflet provides patients with approaches to mitigate opioid-induced constipation and includes a list of questions about constipation for patients to ask their doctors or clinics.