Medication choices, treatment escalation covered by new algorithm

A comprehensive algorithm for the management of diabetes was released last week by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American College of Endocrinology.

The full document includes treatment algorithms for care of the overweight or obese patient and the patient with prediabetes as well as for achieving glycemic control, modifying cardiovascular risk factors and adding or intensifying insulin treatment in patients with diabetes. Goals for glycemic control are also listed: hemoglobin A1c of 6.5% or less for healthy patients without concurrent illness and low risk of hypoglycemia, and individualized targets for patients with concurrent illness and hypoglycemia risk.

The document also contains a profile of antidiabetic medications, listing their risk for hypoglycemia and effects on body weight, renal function, gastrointestinal symptoms, cardiovascular disease, heart failure and bone health.

The algorithm was published in the March/April issue of Endocrine Practice.