Diabets Ada
Diabets Ada
Diabets Ada
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Thus, efforts to improve population health will require a
Medical Care in Diabetes is updated and published annually combination of policy-level, system-level, and patient-
in a supplement to the January issue of Diabetes Care. The level approaches. Patient-centered care is defined as care
Standards are developed by the ADA’s multidisciplinary that considers individual patient comorbidities and
prognoses; is respectful of and responsive to patient
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14 CLINICAL.DIABETESJOURNALS.ORG
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4. Clinical information systems (using registries that can 2. CLASSIFICATION AND DIAGNOSIS OF DIABETES
provide patient-specific and population-based support
Classification
to the care team)
5. Community resources and policies (identifying or Diabetes can be classified into the following general
developing resources to support healthy lifestyles) categories:
6. Health systems (to create a quality-oriented 1. Type 1 diabetes (due to autoimmune b-cell destruction,
culture) usually leading to absolute insulin deficiency, including
latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood)
Strategies for System-Level Improvement 2. Type 2 diabetes (due to a progressive loss of b-cell
insulin secretion frequently on the background of in-
Care Teams sulin resistance)
Collaborative, multidisciplinary teams are best suited to 3. Specific types of diabetes due to other causes, e.g.,
Tailoring Treatment for Social Context Screening and Diagnostic Tests for Prediabetes
Recommendations and Type 2 Diabetes
1.5 Assess food insecurity, housing insecurity/ The diagnostic criteria for diabetes and prediabetes are
homelessness, financial barriers, and social capital/ shown in Table 2.2/2.5. Screening criteria are listed in
social community support and apply that information Table 2.3.
to treatment decisions. A
1.6 Refer patients to local community resources when Recommendations
available. B 2.6 Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
1.7 Provide patients with self-management support from with an informal assessment of risk factors or
lay health coaches, navigators, or community health validated tools should be considered in asymptomatic
workers when available. A adults. B
Health inequities related to diabetes and its complications 2.7 Testing for prediabetes and/or type 2 diabetes in
are well documented and have been associated with asymptomatic people should be considered in
greater risk for diabetes, higher population prevalence, adults of any age with overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2
and poorer diabetes outcomes. SDOH are defined as the or 23–27.4 kg/m2 in Asian Americans) or obesity
economic, environmental, political, and social conditions (BMI $30 kg/m2 or $27.5 kg/m2 in Asian Americans)
in which people live and are responsible for a major part of and who have one or more additional risk factors
health inequality worldwide. for diabetes (Table 2.3). B
2.8 Testing for prediabetes and/or type 2 diabetes should An assessment tool such as the ADA risk test (diabetes.org/
be considered in women with overweight or obesity socrisktest) is recommended to guide providers on
planning pregnancy and/or who have one or whether performing a diagnostic test for prediabetes
more additional risk factors for diabetes or previously undiagnosed type 2 diabetes is appropriate.
(Table 2.3). C
2.9 For all people, testing should begin at age 45 years. B Marked discrepancies between measured A1C and
2.10 If tests are normal, repeat testing carried out at a plasma glucose levels should prompt consideration
minimum of 3-year intervals is reasonable, sooner that the A1C assay may not be reliable for that individual,
with symptoms. C and one should consider using an A1C assay without
2.13 Risk-based screening for prediabetes and/or type 2 interference or plasma blood glucose criteria for
diabetes should be considered after the onset of diagnosis. (An updated list of A1C assays with
puberty or after 10 years of age, whichever occurs interferences is available at ngsp.org/interf.asp.)
TABLE 2.2/2.5 Criteria for the Screening and Diagnosis of Prediabetes and Diabetes
Prediabetes Diabetes
A1C 5.7–6.4% (39–47 mmol/mol)* $6.5% (48 mmol/mol)†
Fasting plasma glucose 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L)* $126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L)†
2-hour plasma glucose during 75-g OGTT 140–199 mg/dL (7.8–11.0 mmol/L)* $200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)†
Random plasma glucose — $200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)‡
Adapted from Tables 2.2 and 2.5 in the complete 2021 Standards of Care. *For all three tests, risk is continuous, extending below the lower limit of the
range and becoming disproportionately greater at the higher end of the range. †In the absence of unequivocal hyperglycemia, diagnosis requires two
abnormal test results from the same sample or in two separate samples ‡Only diagnostic in a patient with classic symptoms of hyperglycemia or
hyperglycemic crisis. OGTT, oral glucose tolerance test.
TABLE 2.3 Criteria for Testing for Diabetes or Prediabetes in Asymptomatic Adults
1. Testing should be considered in adults with overweight or obesity (BMI $25 kg/m2 or $23 kg/m2 in Asian Americans) who have one or more of the
following risk factors:
• First-degree relative with diabetes
• High-risk race/ethnicity (e.g., African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander)
• History of CVD
• Hypertension ($140/90 mmHg or on therapy for hypertension)
• HDL cholesterol level ,35 mg/dL (0.90 mmol/L) and/or a triglyceride level .250 mg/dL (2.82 mmol/L)
• Women with polycystic ovary syndrome
• Physical inactivity
• Other clinical conditions associated with insulin resistance (e.g., severe obesity, acanthosis nigricans)
2. Patients with prediabetes (A1C $5.7% [39 mmol/mol], impaired glucose tolerance, or impaired fasting glucose) should be tested yearly.
3. Women who were diagnosed with GDM should have lifelong testing at least every 3 years.
4. For all other patients, testing should begin at age 45 years.
5. If results are normal, testing should be repeated at a minimum of 3-year intervals, with consideration of more frequent testing depending on initial results
and risk status.
6. HIV
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test, which may either be a repeat of the initial test or Delivery and Dissemination of Lifestyle Behavior
a different test, be performed without delay. If the Change for Diabetes Prevention
patient has a test result near the margins of the The DPP research trial demonstrated that an intensive
diagnostic threshold, the provider should follow lifestyle intervention could reduce the risk of incident type 2
the patient closely and repeat the test in 3–6 diabetes by 58% over 3 years. The Centers for Disease
months. Control and Prevention (CDC) developed the National
Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP), a resource
Certain medications, such as glucocorticoids, thiazide
designed to bring such evidence-based lifestyle change
diuretics, some HIV medications, and atypical antipsy-
programs for preventing type 2 diabetes to communities
chotics, are known to increase the risk of diabetes
(cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention).
and should be considered when deciding whether
to screen.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has ex-
TABLE 2.4 Risk-Based Screening for Type 2 Diabetes or Prediabetes in Asymptomatic Children and Adolescents in a
Clinical Setting
Testing should be considered in youth* who have overweight ($85th percentile) or obesity ($95th percentile) A and who have one or more additional risk
factors based on the strength of their association with diabetes:
• Maternal history of diabetes or GDM during the child’s gestation A
• Family history of type 2 diabetes in first- or second-degree relative A
• Race/ethnicity (Native American, African American, Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islander) A
• Signs of insulin resistance or conditions associated with insulin resistance (acanthosis nigricans, hypertension, dyslipidemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, or
small-for-gestational-age birth weight) B
*After the onset of puberty or after 10 years of age, whichever occurs earlier. If tests are normal, repeat testing at a minimum of 3-year intervals
(or more frequently if BMI is increasing or risk factor profile deteriorating) is recommended. Reports of type 2 diabetes before age 10 years exist,
and this can be considered with numerous risk factors.
FIGURE 4.1 Decision cycle for patient-centered glycemic management in type 2 diabetes. HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin. Reprinted from
Davies MJ, D’Alessio DA, Fradkin J, et al. Diabetes Care 2018;41:2669–2701.
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• Use language that is person centered (e.g., “person with screenings and to reduce their modifiable cancer risk
diabetes” is preferred over “diabetic”). factors (obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking).
treatment recommendations, particularly among the intensity or interval training may be sufficient for
Medicare population, and have lower Medicare and in- younger and more physically fit individuals.
surance claim costs. 5.28 Adults with type 1 C and type 2 B diabetes should
engage in 2–3 sessions/week of resistance exercise
MNT on nonconsecutive days.
5.29 All adults, and particularly those with type 2 dia-
All providers should refer people with diabetes for in- betes, should decrease the amount of time spent in
dividualized MNT provided by a registered dietitian daily sedentary behavior. B Prolonged sitting should
nutritionist (RD/RDN) who is knowledgeable and skilled be interrupted every 30 minutes for blood glucose
in providing diabetes-specific MNT at diagnosis and as benefits. C
needed throughout the life span, similar to DSMES. MNT 5.30 Flexibility training and balance training are rec-
delivered by an RD/RDN is associated with A1C absolute ommended 2–3 times/week for older adults with
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exercise accelerates the rate of progression of diabetic kidney of disease progression are directly associated with reports
disease (DKD), and there appears to be no need for specific of diabetes distress.
exercise restrictions for people with DKD in general.
See “5. Facilitating Behavior Change and Well-Being to
Smoking Cessation: Tobacco and E-Cigarettes Improve Health Outcomes” in the complete 2021 Stan-
dards of Care for information on anxiety disorders (in-
Recommendations
cluding fear of hypoglycemia), depression, disordered
5.32 Advise all patients not to use cigarettes and other eating, and serious mental illness, as well as information
tobacco products A or e-cigarettes. A about referral to a mental health professional.
5.33 After identification of tobacco or e-cigarette use,
include smoking cessation counseling and other
forms of treatment as a routine component of di- 6. GLYCEMIC TARGETS
abetes care. A
[10.0 mmol/L]) are useful parameters for reevalua- the goal of 7% may be acceptable, and even benefi-
tion of the treatment regimen. C cial, if it can be achieved safely without significant
For many people with diabetes, glucose monitoring is key hypoglycemia or other adverse effects of
for achieving glycemic targets. It allows patients to treatment. C
evaluate their individual response to therapy and 6.7 Less stringent A1C goals (such as ,8% [64
assess whether glycemic targets are being safely achieved. mmol/mol]) may be appropriate for patients with
limited life expectancy, or where the harms
CGM technology has grown rapidly and is more of treatment are greater than the benefits. B
accessible and accurate. The Glucose Management Reassess glycemic targets over time based on patient and
Indicator (GMI) and data on TIR, hypoglycemia, disease factors. (See Figure 6.2 and Table 12.1 in the
and hyperglycemia are available to providers and complete 2021 Standards of Care.) Table 6.3 summarizes
patients via standardized reports such as the AGP glycemic recommendations for many nonpregnant adults.
FIGURE 6.1 Key points included in standard AGP report. Adapted from Battelino T, Danne T, Bergenstal RM, et al. Diabetes Care 2019;42:
1593–1603.
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6.10 Glucose (~15–20 g) is the preferred treatment for 6.13 Insulin-treated patients with hypoglycemia un-
the conscious individual with blood glucose ,70 awareness, one level 3 hypoglycemic event, or a
mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), although any form of car- pattern of unexplained level 2 hypoglycemia should
bohydrate that contains glucose may be used. Fif- be advised to raise their glycemic targets to strictly
teen minutes after treatment, if SMBG shows avoid hypoglycemia for at least several weeks in
continued hypoglycemia, the treatment should be order to partially reverse hypoglycemia unaware-
repeated. Once the SMBG or glucose pattern is ness and reduce risk of future episodes. A
trending up, the individual should consume a meal 6.14 Ongoing assessment of cognitive function is sug-
or snack to prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia. B gested with increased vigilance for hypoglycemia by
6.11 Glucagon should be prescribed for all individuals at the clinician, patient, and caregivers if low cognition
increased risk of level 2 or 3 hypoglycemia so that it is or declining cognition is found. B
available should it be needed. Caregivers, school
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medical status, when weight-loss interventions are insufficient (typically ,5% weight loss after 3 months’
recommended. C use), or if there are significant safety or tolerability
8.8 Behavioral changes that create an energy deficit, issues, consider discontinuation of the medication
regardless of macronutrient composition, will result and evaluate alternative medications or treatment
in weight loss. Dietary recommendations should be approaches. A
individualized to the patient’s preferences and Nearly all FDA-approved medications for weight loss have
nutritional needs. A been shown to improve glycemic control in patients with type
8.9 Evaluate systemic, structural, and socioeconomic
2 diabetes and delay progression to diabetes for those at risk.
factors that may impact dietary patterns and food Table 8.2 in the complete 2021 Standards of Care provides
choices, such as food insecurity and hunger, access to information on FDA-approved medications for obesity.
healthful food options, cultural circumstances, and
SDOH. C Given the high cost, limited insurance coverage, and
controlled (nonblinded) clinical trials, demonstrating 9.7 The early introduction of insulin should be con-
that metabolic surgery achieves superior glycemic control sidered if there is evidence of ongoing catabolism
and reduction of CV risk factors in patients with type 2 (weight loss), if symptoms of hyperglycemia are
diabetes and obesity compared with various lifestyle/ present, or when A1C levels (.10% [86 mmol/mol])
medical interventions. or blood glucose levels ($300 mg/dL [16.7
mmol/L]) are very high. E
Longer-term concerns include dumping syndrome 9.8 A patient-centered approach should be used to guide
(nausea, colic, and diarrhea), vitamin and mineral de- the choice of pharmacologic agents. Considerations
ficiencies, anemia, osteoporosis, and severe hypoglyce- include effect on CV and renal comorbidities,
mia. Long-term nutritional and micronutrient deficiencies efficacy, hypoglycemia risk, impact on weight,
and related complications occur with variable frequency cost, risk for side effects, and patient preferences
depending on the type of procedure and require lifelong (Table 9.1 and Figure 9.1). E
vitamin/nutritional supplementation; thus, long-term
26 CLINICAL.DIABETESJOURNALS.ORG
VOLUME 39, NUMBER 1, WINTER 2021
FIGURE 9.1 Glucose-lowering medication in type 2 diabetes: 2021 ADA Professional Practice Committee adaptation of Davies MJ, D’Alessio DA, Fradkin J, et al. Diabetes Care 2018;41:
2669–2701 and Buse JB, Wexler DJ, Tsapas A, et al. Diabetes Care 2020;43:487–493. For appropriate context, see Figure 4.1. In this version, the “Indicators of high-risk or established
ASCVD, CKD, or HF” pathway was adapted based on trial populations studied. DPP-4i, DPP-4 inhibitor; GLP-1 RA, GLP-1 receptor agonist; LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction; SGLT2i,
SGLT2 inhibitor; SU, sulfonylurea; T2D, type 2 diabates; TZD, thiazolidinedione.
AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION
27
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ABRIDGED STANDARDS OF CARE 2021
FIGURE 9.2 Intensifying to injectable therapies. FPG, fasting plasma glucose; FRC, fixed-ratio combination; GLP-1 RA, GLP-1 receptor
agonist; max, maximum; PPG, postprandial glucose. Adapted from Davies MJ, D’Alessio DA, Fradkin J, et al. Diabetes Care 2018;41:
2669–2701.
28 CLINICAL.DIABETESJOURNALS.ORG
TABLE 9.1 Drug-specific and patient factors to consider when selecting antihyperglycemic treatment in adults with type 2 diabetes
29
approved for CKD indication. GI, gastrointestinal; GLP-1 RA, GLP-1 receptor agonist; NASH, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; SQ, subcutaneous; T2D, type 2 diabetes.
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ABRIDGED STANDARDS OF CARE 2021
both ASCVD and HF, CV risk factors should be assessed at indicated, a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hyper-
least annually in all patients with diabetes. These risk tension (DASH)-style eating pattern including re-
factors include obesity/overweight, hypertension, dysli- ducing sodium and increasing potassium intake,
pidemia, smoking, a family history of premature coronary moderation of alcohol intake, and increased physical
disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the presence activity. A
of albuminuria.
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should be made in a timely fashion to overcome therapeutic ezetimibe to maximally tolerated statin therapy to
inertia in achieving blood pressure goals. (See Figure 10.1 in reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 50% or more. C
the complete 2021 Standards of Care.)
Lipid Management Secondary Prevention
triglycerides (135–499 mg/dL), the addition of stable coronary and/or PAD and low bleeding risk
icosapent ethyl can be considered to reduce CV to prevent major adverse limb and CV events. A
risk. A 10.39 Aspirin therapy (75–162 mg/day) may be con-
sidered as a primary prevention strategy in those
Other Combination Therapy with diabetes who are at increased CV risk, after a
comprehensive discussion with the patient on the
Recommendations
benefits versus the comparable increased risk of
10.32 Statin plus fibrate combination therapy has not bleeding. A
been shown to improve ASCVD outcomes and is
generally not recommended. A Risk Reduction
10.33 Statin plus niacin combination therapy has not been Aspirin is effective in reducing CV morbidity and mortality
shown to provide additional CV benefit above statin in high-risk patients with previous myocardial infarction
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10.3C in the complete 2021 Standards of Care) is risk factors for ASCVD, a GLP-1 receptor agonist with
recommended as part of the comprehensive CV risk demonstrated CV benefit is recommended to reduce the
reduction and/or glucose-lowering regimens. A risk of MACE. For many patients, use of either an SGLT2
10.42a In patients with type 2 diabetes and established inhibitor or a GLP-1 receptor agonist to reduce CV risk is
ASCVD, multiple ASCVD risk factors, or DKD, an appropriate. It is unknown whether use of both classes of
SGLT2 inhibitor with demonstrated CV benefit is drugs will provide an additive CV outcomes benefit. In
recommended to reduce the risk of MACE and/or patients with type 2 diabetes and established HFrEF, an
HF hospitalization. A SGLT2 inhibitor with proven benefit in this patient
10.42b In patients with type 2 diabetes and established population is recommended to reduce the risk of wors-
ASCVD or multiple risk factors for ASCVD, a ening HF and CV death.
GLP-1 receptor agonist with demonstrated CV
benefit is recommended to reduce the risk of 11. MICROVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS AND
allowance). A For patients on dialysis, higher levels Epidemiology of Diabetes and CKD
of dietary protein intake should be considered, since CKD is diagnosed by the persistent presence of elevated
malnutrition is a major problem in some dialysis urinary albumin excretion (albuminuria), low eGFR, or
patients. B other manifestations of kidney damage (Figure 11.1).
11.7 In nonpregnant patients with diabetes and hy- Among people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the presence
pertension, either an ACE inhibitor or an ARB is of CKD markedly increases CV risk and health care costs.
recommended for those with modestly elevated
UACR (30–299 mg/g creatinine) B and is
strongly recommended for those with UACR Selection of Glucose-Lowering Medications for
$300 mg/g creatinine and/or eGFR ,60 mL/min/ Patients With CKD
1.73 m2. A For patients with type 2 diabetes and established CKD,
11.8 Periodically monitor serum creatinine and potas- special considerations for the selection of glucose-
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SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists should subsequent dilated retinal examinations should be
be considered for patients with type 2 diabetes and repeated at least annually by an ophthalmologist or
CKD who require another drug added to metformin to optometrist. If retinopathy is progressing or sight-
attain target A1C or cannot use or tolerate metformin. threatening, then examinations will be required
SGLT2 inhibitors reduce risks of CKD progression, CVD more frequently. B
events, and hypoglycemia. GLP-1 receptor agonists 11.17 Programs that use retinal photography (with remote
are suggested because they reduce risks of CVD reading or use of a validated assessment tool) to
events and hypoglycemia and appear to possibly slow improve access to diabetic retinopathy screening can
CKD progression. be appropriate screening strategies for diabetic
retinopathy. Such programs need to provide path-
For patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD, the selection of
ways for timely referral for a comprehensive
specific agents may depend on comorbidity and CKD
eye examination when indicated. B
stage. SGLT2 inhibitors may be more useful for patients at
11.26 Assessment for distal symmetric polyneuropathy 11.36 A multidisciplinary approach is recommended
should include a careful history and assessment of for individuals with foot ulcers and high-risk
either temperature or pinprick sensation (small feet (e.g., dialysis patients and those
fiber function) and vibration sensation using a with Charcot foot or prior ulcers or
128-Hz tuning fork (for large-fiber function). All amputation). B
patients should have annual 10-g monofilament 11.37 Refer patients who smoke or who have histories of
testing to identify feet at risk for ulceration and prior lower-extremity complications, loss of pro-
amputation. B tective sensation, structural abnormalities, or PAD
11.27 Symptoms and signs of autonomic neuropathy to foot care specialists for ongoing preventive care
should be assessed in patients with microvascular and lifelong surveillance. C
complications. E 11.38 Provide general preventive foot self-care education
to all patients with diabetes. B
11.33 Obtain a prior history of ulceration, amputation, cognitive impairment, depression, urinary inconti-
Charcot foot, angioplasty or vascular surgery, nence, falls, and persistent pain) in older adults, as
cigarette smoking, retinopathy, and renal disease they may affect diabetes self-management and di-
and assess current symptoms of neuropathy (pain, minish quality of life. B
burning, numbness) and vascular disease (leg More than one-fourth of people over the age of 65 years
fatigue, claudication). B have diabetes and one-half of older adults have predi-
11.34 The examination should include inspection of the abetes. Diabetes management in older adults requires
skin, assessment of foot deformities, neurological regular assessment of medical, psychological, functional,
assessment (10-g monofilament testing with at and social domains. Older adults with diabetes have
least one other assessment: pinprick, temperature, higher rates of premature death, functional disability,
vibration), and vascular assessment including accelerated muscle loss, and coexisting illnesses, such as
pulses in the legs and feet. B hypertension, CHD, and stroke, than older adults without
11.35 Patients with symptoms of claudication or de- diabetes. Screening for diabetes complications in older
creased or absent pedal pulses should be referred adults should be individualized and periodically revisited,
for ankle-brachial index and for further vascular as the results of screening tests may impact targets and
assessment as appropriate. C therapeutic approaches.
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12.16 Consider costs of care and insurance coverage rules glucose and blood pressure control may not be
when developing treatment plans in order to reduce necessary E, and reduction of therapy may be ap-
risk of cost-related nonadherence. B propriate. Similarly, the intensity of lipid manage-
Special care is required in prescribing and monitoring ment can be relaxed, and withdrawal of lipid-
pharmacologic therapies in older adults. Metformin is the lowering therapy may be appropriate. A
first-line agent for older adults with type 2 diabetes. See 12.20 Overall comfort, prevention of distressing symp-
Figure 9.1 for general recommendations regarding toms, and preservation of quality of life and dignity
glucose-lowering treatment for adults with type 2 dia- are primary goals for diabetes management at the
betes and Table 9.1 for patient- and drug-specific factors to end of life. C
consider when selecting glucose-lowering agents. Overall, palliative medicine promotes comfort, symptom
control and prevention (pain, hypoglycemia, hypergly-
The needs of older adults with diabetes and their caregivers
cemia, and dehydration), and preservation of dignity and
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Most youth with type 2 diabetes come from racial/ethnic glycemic target should be moved to MDI with basal
minority groups, have low socioeconomic status, and and premeal bolus insulins. E
often experience multiple psychosocial stressors. Con- 13.73 Use of medications not approved by the FDA for
sideration of the sociocultural context and efforts to youth with type 2 diabetes is not recommended
personalize diabetes management are of critical impor- outside of research trials. B
tance to minimize barriers to care, enhance adherence,
and maximize response to treatment. Transition From Pediatric to Adult Care
Recommendations
Glycemic Targets
Recommendations 13.110 Pediatric diabetes providers should begin to
prepare youth for transition to adult health care in
13.62 A reasonable A1C target for most children and
early adolescence and, at the latest, at least 1 year
adolescents with type 2 diabetes treated with
before the transition. E
oral agents alone is ,7% (53 mmol/mol).
13.111 Both pediatric and adult diabetes care providers
More stringent A1C targets (such as ,6.5%
should provide support and resources for tran-
[48 mmol/mol]) may be appropriate for selected
sitioning young adults. E
individual patients if they can be achieved without
13.112 Youth with type 2 diabetes should be transferred to
significant hypoglycemia or other adverse effects of
an adult-oriented diabetes specialist when deemed
treatment. Appropriate patients might include
appropriate by the patient and provider. E
those with short duration of diabetes and lesser
degrees of b-cell dysfunction and patients treated
with lifestyle or metformin only who achieve 14. MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES IN PREGNANCY
significant weight improvement. E
The prevalence of diabetes in pregnancy has been in-
13.63 Less stringent A1C goals (such as 7.5% [58
creasing in the U.S. in parallel with the worldwide epi-
mmol/mol]) may be appropriate if there is
demic of obesity. In general, specific risks of diabetes in
increased risk of hypoglycemia. E
pregnancy include spontaneous abortion, fetal anomalies,
preeclampsia, fetal demise, macrosomia, neonatal hy-
Pharmacologic Management poglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and neonatal respiratory
Recommendations distress syndrome, among others. In addition, diabetes in
13.65 Initiate pharmacologic therapy, in addition to be- pregnancy may increase the risk of obesity, hypertension,
havioral counseling for healthful nutrition and and type 2 diabetes in offspring later in life.
physical activity changes, at diagnosis of type 2
diabetes. A Preconception Counseling
13.66 In incidentally diagnosed or metabolically stable pa-
tients (A1C ,8.5% [69 mmol/mol] and asymptom- Recommendations
atic), metformin is the initial pharmacologic treatment 14.1 Starting at puberty and continuing in all women with
of choice if renal function is normal. A diabetes and reproductive potential, preconception
counseling should be incorporated into routine di- 14.15 Metformin, when used to treat polycystic ovary syn-
abetes care. A drome and induce ovulation, should be discontinued
14.2 Family planning should be discussed, and effective by the end of the first trimester. A
contraception (with consideration of long-acting,
reversible contraception) should be prescribed and Pregnancy and Drug Considerations
used until a woman’s treatment regimen and A1C are Recommendations
optimized for pregnancy. A
14.19 In pregnant patients with diabetes and chronic
14.3 Preconception counseling should address the im-
hypertension, a blood pressure target of 110–135/
portance of achieving glucose levels as close to
85 mmHg is suggested in the interest of reducing
normal as is safely possible, ideally A1C ,6.5% (48
the risk for accelerated maternal hypertension A
mmol/mol), to reduce the risk of congenital
and minimizing impaired fetal growth. E
anomalies, preeclampsia, macrosomia, preterm
14.20 Potentially harmful medications in pregnancy (i.e.,
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hospitalized patients with diabetes, consult with a frequent bedside glucose testing, every 30 minutes to
specialized diabetes or glucose management team every 2 hours, is required for intravenous insulin infusion.
when possible.
Although CGM has theoretical advantages over point-of-
Hospital Care Delivery Standards care glucose testing in detecting and reducing the inci-
dence of hypoglycemia, it has not been approved by the
Recommendations
FDA for inpatient use. However, some hospitals with
15.1 Perform an A1C test on all patients with diabetes established glucose management teams allow the use of
or hyperglycemia (blood glucose .140 mg/dL CGM in selected patients.
[7.8 mmol/L]) admitted to the hospital if not
performed in the prior 3 months. B
15.2 Insulin should be administered using validated
Glucose-Lowering Treatment in
15.9 A hypoglycemia management protocol should be 15.11 There should be a structured discharge plan tailored
adopted and implemented by each hospital or to the individual patient with diabetes. B
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16. DIABETES ADVOCACY Nashville, TN, Sandra Leal, PharmD, MPH, FAPhA, CDCES,
of Tucson, AZ, CDR Parmjeet Saini, DHSc, MPA, PA-C, of New
For a list of ADA advocacy position statements, including York, NY, Jay H. Shubrook, DO, of Vallejo, CA, and Jennifer
“Diabetes and Driving” and “Diabetes and Employment,” Trujillo, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS, CDCES, BC-ADM, of Aurora, CO,
see “16. Diabetes Advocacy” in the complete 2021 with ADA staff support from Sarah Bradley.
Standards of Care. The complete Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2021 was
developed by the ADA’s Professional Practice Committee: Boris
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Draznin, MD, PhD (Chair), Vanita R. Aroda, MD, George Bakris,
This abridged version of the Standards of Medical Care in MD, Gretchen Benson, RDN, LD, CDCES, Florence M. Brown,
Diabetes—2021 was created by the ADA’s Primary Care MD, RaShaye Freeman, DNP, FNP-BC, CDCES, ADM-BC,
Advisory Group (PCAG), with special thanks to PCAG chair Jennifer Green, MD, Elbert Huang, MD, MPH, FACP, Diana
Eric L. Johnson, MD, of Grand Forks, ND, vice-chair Hope Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, CDCES, Scott Kahan, MD,
Feldman, CRNP, FNP-BC, of Philadelphia, PA, Amy Butts, PA-C, MPH, Christine G. Lee, MD, MS, Jose Leon, MD, MPH, Sarah K.
Lyons, MD, Anne L. Peters, MD, Jane E.B. Reusch, MD,