The latest guidelines state that choice of pharmacologic therapy for glycemic and nonglycemic management in Type 2 diabetes (T2D) depend on patient characteristics and comorbidities, and that in addition to pharmacologic recommendations, person-centered approaches must consider patient comorbidities and preferences. Consideration of comorbidities is crucial in the management of T2D, as nearly two-thirds have obesity, 30% to 40% have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and nearly one-third have atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). For patients with T2D at high risk of ASCVD or with established ASCVD, guidelines recommend the use of therapies that reduce cardiovascular disease risk, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) or the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.
However, despite guideline recommendation and clear indications for their use, studies show that only a relatively small percentage of U.S. adults with T2D receive an anti-hyperglycemic agent with cardioprotective benefits. Combining complex patient profiles with the overwhelming amount of outcomes data complicates the T2D decision matrix exponentially and clinical inertia persists. Not only do clinicians need to be familiar with the latest evidence, but the more critical piece of how to apply the evidence to practice. Diabetes care and education specialists need to individualize glycemic targets and glucose-lowering regimens based on multiple factors, including the presence of comorbidities, such as obesity and/or cardiovascular risks. To support the diabetes team in this exercise, education must not only impart new knowledge regarding the data but introduce strategies for routine application in a real-world environment.
Education must also be able to accommodate diverse learning needs and paces, while also being scalable and engaging. Clinicians are tired of wasting time on education that covers material they already know. They want education to support them in their nuanced roles in delivering patient care. Considerate of that, ADCES in collaboration with the Academy for Continued Healthcare Learning (ACHL) developed a personalized learning experience that helps diabetes care and education specialists identify their gaps, goals and priorities in managing cardiometabolic complications in patients with T2D and model strategies to improve their clinical practices. Learners are given the opportunity to build and continually refine their own educational content but also create customized slide decks to use for ongoing training of their team.
Start today to take advantage of this tailor-made educational experience and improve outcomes for your patients with T2D.
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