GUIDES

GUIDELINES

Diabetes Resources

Cover of Diabetes Care journal, January 2026 issue, volume 49, supplement 1, titled 'Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026,' featuring silhouettes of diverse people in various shades of red, orange, teal, and gray.

The AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION (ADA) publishes yearly guideline updates for optimal treatment of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

A woman with curly gray hair applying an adhesive patch labeled 'SU' to her upper arm, looking content while sitting indoors with a brick wall and plants in the background.

Select the guidelines pictured above to access the latest standards of care from the ADA.

Type 1 Diabetes

·

Type 2 Diabetes

·

Gestational Diabetes

·

Type 1 Diabetes · Type 2 Diabetes · Gestational Diabetes ·

  • Pre-diabetes

    • Blood sugar levels become higher than normal due to lifestyle and genetics. At this point lifestyle interventions can prevent it from becoming type 2 diabetes.

  • Gestational

    • Although this can resolve after pregnancy, it can increase your chances of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

  • Type 1

    • Non-genetic, autoimmune disease where the body attacks its insulin producing cells in the pancreas (B-cells). Overtime, the body stops producing insulin and becomes insulin dependent for life.

  • Type 2

    • Overtime, the body develops resistance to insulin and/or stops producing enough insulin. Lifestyle and family history often contribute to developing type 2 diabetes.

Diagnosis Criteria

Lifestyle Interventions

  • A general recommendation from the American Heart Association for all adults is 150 minutes per week of aerobic activity (preferably as 30 minutes 5x a week or 50 minutes 3x a week)

    At times, intense cardio can increase blood sugars eg. runner’s high is caused by increased stress hormones (adrenaline). Monitor your body’s response as results vary person to person.

  • Foods are ranked on a glycemic index from 0 — 100 depending on how fast they increase glucose.

    Examples of low glycemic index foods include non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, whole grains, and lentils.

  • Most diabetics will be consistently dehydrated due to high blood sugars. It is important to drink plenty of water (average adults require 8 cups per day) and rehydrate after exercise or extended periods in the sun.

  • For various reasons, diabetics have sensitive and dry skin compared to non-diabetics.

    Using unscented creams and avoiding hot showers is recommended to maintain skin integrity

Glycemic Index Chart

What is diabetes

A bowl of sugar cubes on a blue surface next to a blood glucose meter, a white pen-like device, and a white marker.

Medications & Supplements

Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for type 2 diabetes although often supplemented with GLP-1s such as Ozempic or SGLT2is such as Jardiance.

Select the button below for more information on medications.

Apart from prescription medications, several supplements exist which may provide some additional help in lowering blood glucose. Studies are limited in most cases and individual results may vary — under no circumstances should natural supplements replace medications in treatment.

Some natural supplements which might contribute positively include:

  • Cinnamon

  • Berberine

  • Magnesium & Chromium

    among others.

Select the button below for more information on supplements.

Supplements

Diabetic Devices

Meters

  • Available over the counter

  • Measure glucose at given point not continuous

    • Use a new lancet each time

    • Clean and dry fingertip prior to prick and prior to touching supplies

    • Prick on sides of finger pad, not on the center.

    • Attach new test strip each time, just seconds before pricking your finger

    • Place drop of blood onto tip of test strip

  • Supplies are light and heat sensitive; keep away from harsh temperatures

Continuous Glucose Monitors

  • Provides a continuous measurement of blood glucose

  • DexcomG7 lasts 10 days although recently released 14 day

  • Freestyle libres are 14+ days

  • Be careful to apply onto FDA approved areas for improved accuracy

    • Libre (back of arm on tricep)

    • DexcomG6 (on abdomen or upper buttocks)

    • DexcomG7 (on back of arm on tricep but children 2-6 years old can apply to upper buttocks)

Insulin Pumps (FDA approved only to contain fast acting insulins)

  • Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump

    • Tubed insulin pump with touchscreen control

    • Delivers insulin through a small infusion set under the skin

    • Known for precise dosing and CGM compatibility

  • Medtronic MiniMed 780G insulin pump

    • Tubed insulin pump widely used in clinical practice

    • Uses an infusion set placed under the skin

    • Designed for steady, continuous insulin delivery

  • Omnipod 5 insulin management system

    • Tubeless “patch” pump worn directly on the skin

    • Controlled wirelessly (no tubing)

    • Disposable pod replaced every few days

  • Beta Bionics iLet Bionic Pancreas

    • Wearable tubeless insulin delivery system

    • Designed to simplify insulin dosing decisions

    • Focuses on reducing daily manual adjustments

Complications from uncontrolled diabetes

Macrovascular Complications

  • Heart Disease & Stroke: High blood sugar speeds up hardening of the arteries making diabetics twice as likely of having a stroke.

  • Poor circulation and poor wound healing

Microvascular complications

  • Kidney damage from high blood sugars and proteins in the urine damaging the filtration system in the kidneys.

  • Nerve damage at nerve endings leading to numbness, tingling and ultimately loss of sensation

  • Eye damage from high blood sugar causing damage in retinal blood vessels leading to complete loss of eyesight

Further complications

  • Amputation commonly of lower limbs

  • High risk of diabetic coma from high blood sugar

  • Osteoporosis especially for Type 1 diabetics

  • Alzheimers and dementia from uncontrolled glucose

Sources: American Heart Association

Medications