Updates to Diabetes Care Guidelines 2024

Original Article: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ada-issues-new-screening-obesity-management-recommendations-2023a1000v2p

New and Improved 

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) just unveiled fresh guidelines for 2024 for professionals involved in diabetes care. These standards are very important as they serve as benchmarks for best clinical practice around the world. The Standards were created by a group of experts involved in diabetes.

Heart Health:

One significant update involves screening adults with diabetes for hidden heart issues. By using a simple blood test, doctors can find potential heart problems early, especially in people with type 2 diabetes. This helps prevent severe heart complications over time.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Screening:

Another important addition is the recommendation to check for PAD in diabetic individuals aged 50 or older using ankle-brachial index testing. This condition, which can lead to amputations, often doesn’t show clear signs. Screening helps catch it before it worsens.

Type 1 Diabetes and Obesity Management:

The guidelines also cover screening for type 1 diabetes in adults and suggest ways to manage obesity in people with diabetes. They propose new methods to measure obesity beyond just weight and provide different approaches, such as medications or surgery, to manage it effectively. These updates aim to catch problems early and provide better care for those with diabetes.