AACE introduces diabetes algorithm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. A new algorithm designed to help Type 2 diabetes patients achieve glycemic control has appeared online in the September/October edition of the journal Endocrine Practice.

The algorithm, released as a consensus statement by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American College of Endocrinology is a one-page resource designed to assist primary care doctors, 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,” former AACE president and co-chairwoman of the Algorithm Task Force Helena Rodbard said in a statement. “To minimize the risk of diabetic complications, the algorithm will help achieve a hemoglobin A1C value of 6.5 or less when appropriate.”

The task force said it was the first such algorithm that considers currently approved classes of medications emphasizing safety and efficacy while also considering factors such as the overall cost of care.