New diabetes algorithm released by AACE for the management of type 2 diabetes

A new, first-of-its-kind diabetes algorithm created to help achieve glycemic (blood sugar) control in type 2 patients was published online today in the September/October edition of Endocrine Practice(1).

This diabetes algorithm, which was released as a consensus statement from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE), is a simple one-page resource designed to assist primary care physicians, endocrinologists and others in the management of type 2 diabetes.

"Depending on a patient's current A1C level, a physician will use the algorithm to determine whether a mono-, dual-, or triple combination therapy should be considered," Dr. Helena Rodbard, former AACE president and Co-Chair of the Algorithm Task Force said. "To minimize the risk of diabetic complications, the algorithm will help achieve a hemoglobin A1C value of 6.5 or less when appropriate."

Until now, there has never been a treatment algorithm that considers currently approved classes of medications emphasizing safety and efficacy while also considering secondary factors such as the overall cost of care -- not just the cost of medications. These drug classes include biguanides, DPP-4 inhibitors, incretin mimetics, thiazolidinediones, a-glucosidase inhibitors, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, bile acid sequestrants, amylin analogs and insulin therapy.

"We felt that an authoritative, practical algorithm for managing type 2 diabetes was essential," former AACE President and Co-Chair of the Algorithm Task Force, Dr. Paul S. Jellinger said. "We believe that this algorithm represents the treatment preferences of most clinical endocrinologists. This is a point-of-care tool that helps clinicians make appropriate and safe treatment decisions."

The algorithm also prioritizes medication choices according to risk of hypoglycemia, safety, efficacy, simplicity and anticipated degree of patient adherence. It was created by a consensus group of leading endocrinologists combining very extensive clinical experience, clinical researchers, practitioners and academicians, and is based on the AACE/ACE Diabetes Guidelines and recent medical literature.

With nearly 80 million people suffering from diabetes and pre-diabetes in the United States, there is a shortage of endocrinologists to care for all patients. Many patients are treated by primary care physicians. The Algorithm represents an important tool to assist and educate clinicians.