The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) today released the organization’s first-ever scientific statement focused exclusively on diabetes technology in primary care. “Diabetes Technology in the Primary Care Setting: An American Diabetes Association Scientific Statement” was simultaneously published in Diabetes, Obesity, and CardioMetabolic CARE® and Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology.
The ADA recommends that all individuals with diabetes have access to evidence-based diabetes technologies. Historically, diabetes technology has been concentrated in specialist endocrinology clinics, yet three in four United States counties do not have a practicing endocrinologist. Expanding access through primary care is essential.
“Primary care is the entry point for most people living with diabetes. Diabetes technology can only improve lives when people can access it, and care teams can support its use. This statement offers clarity for primary care teams on how to manage diabetes technology in practice settings,” said Osagie Ebekozien, MD, MPH, CPHQ, statement author and chief quality officer at the ADA.
The statement addresses a range of diabetes technology, including continuous glucose monitors, connected insulin pens, and automated insulin delivery systems. It includes science-based recommendations for policymakers, payors, diabetes technology companies and other stakeholders, as well as specific recommendations for primary care networks, practices, and primary care professionals.
Recommendations for practical steps for primary care teams include:
- Staff training
- Clearly defined roles
- Device onboarding
- Routine review of technology data to inform care
The statement highlights how diabetes care and education specialists, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, physician associates, and other team members can help practices support people using these technologies.
It also calls on payors, health systems, and technology manufacturers to reduce gaps in access and care related to coverage, cost, device support, and access to data, with particular attention to improving diabetes technology access.
“This statement begins to meet the needs of the primary care community. It offers a road map for bringing diabetes technology into everyday practice,” said Eugene Wright, MD, a lead author on the statement.
The statement was authored by an interdisciplinary panel of 32 experts and has been endorsed by nine professional associations as well as the ADA’s Professional Practice Committee.
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About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. For 86 years, the ADA has driven discovery and research to treat, manage, and prevent diabetes while working relentlessly for a cure. Through advocacy, program development, and education we work to improve the quality of life for the over 155 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).
