New Diabetes Guidelines Released for 2024, With a Few Key Changes

The ADA also made specific updates to the use of medications to control diabetes, with a section on popular weight loss drugs.

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The American Diabetes Association (ADA) released new standards of care for diagnosing and treating patients with diabetes, along with recommendations for assessing patients with measures other than their body mass index (BMI), and guidelines for popular weight loss medications.

“The latest ADA guidelines present pivotal updates for health care professionals, ensuring comprehensive, evidence-based care for diabetes management,” said Dr. Robert Gabbay, the ADA’s chief scientific and medical officer, in the Dec. 14 press release.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects roughly 38.4 million people in the United States, or roughly 11.6 percent of the population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Managing Obesity and Secondary Conditions

Obesity management was at the forefront of the 2024 updates. Recommendations encourage healthcare providers to incorporate health measures beyond BMI, such as waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio, in effort to get a more accurate read of a patient’s body type.

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The ADA also made specific updates to the use of medications to control diabetes, with a section on glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which include semaglutide and tirzepatide. These drugs—including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound—have been extremely popular to help control insulin and stave off hunger, and are known to be successful in helping individuals lose weight. The ADA noted in the new guidelines that either semaglutide or tirzepatide are the preferred medication for patients with diabetes who are overweight or obese. In addition to helping a patient lose weight, the drugs have potential glycemic and cardiometabolic benefits.

Early Treatment Could Save Lives

The new guidelines also call for screenings for suspected type 1 diabetes, allowing healthcare providers to diagnose and intervene earlier.

In addition to screenings, the ADA added guidance on the use of teplizumab—also known by the brand name Tzield—which is prescribed to delay the onset of stage 3 type 1 diabetes in adults and children 8 years and older.

“These changes reflect our ongoing commitment to optimizing patient outcomes through informed, adaptable, and patient-centered health care practices,” Dr. Gabbay said in the press release.

Embracing Advancements in Technology

The new guidelines make better use of emerging technology, especially in screening individuals for heart failure and peripheral arterial disease. The screening for peripheral arterial disease is especially important, as many patients don’t show the common symptoms of the disease.

The ADA also recommends utilizing new technology to evaluate patients for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and fracture risk. Artificial intelligence can be used for retinal screenings and self-management education.

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Additionally, the guidelines emphasize relying on newer technology for continuous glucose monitors and automated delivery systems to ensure patients are receiving the best care.

“As the ADA’s chair of professional practice committee, I’m excited to share our latest updates to advance diabetes care through new scientific insights and technological innovation, all aimed at enhancing experience for people with diabetes and health care professionals in managing this complex condition,” said Dr. Nuha A. El Sayed, the ADA’s senior vice president of health care improvement, in the recent press release.

Additional changes to the guidelines include:

• Updates in guiding physicians on diagnosing and classifying diabetes
• More emphasis on hypoglycemia prevention and management
• New emphasis on evaluating and treating bone health
• Extra focus on screening and managing people with diabetes and disability
• New research and information of the potential links between COVID-19 and type 1 diabetes

The new guidelines were developed through a rigorous scientific review process by the ADA’s Professional Practice Committee. The committee’s panel includes 21 healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, certified diabetes care and education specialists, dietitians, and pharmacists.