Diabetes guidelines: a summary and comparison of the recommendations of the American Diabetes Association, Veterans Health Administration, and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.

OBJECTIVE: This paper summarizes and compares 3 major organizations' guidelines for the management of diabetes mellitus.
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects >16 million Americans. A decrease in adverse events has been demonstrated when hyperglycemia and comorbid conditions such as hypertension and dyslipidemia are controlled in patients with diabetes. Although each patient with diabetes is unique and medical care should be tailored to his or her individual needs, clinical evidence and expert opinion have established a baseline level of care for all patients with diabetes. Guidelines have been created to guide practitioners in selecting appropriate care, but their length and complexity may serve as barriers to their use.
METHODS: The diabetes management guidelines of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), Veterans Health Administration (VA), and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) are summarized and compared in both text and tabular form.
CONCLUSION: Although the guidelines published by the ADA, VA, and AACE vary slightly, all of them can be used to ensure that patients with diabetes receive appropriate care.