ACP Updates HbA1c Target for Type 2 Diabetes
The Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians (ACP) has updated its 2007 recommendation regarding appropriate hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) targets for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
The ACP now recommends that practitioners aim to achieve an HbA1c level between 7% and 8%, changing its 2007 recommendation for an HbA1c target of less than 7% in this patient population.
Other recommendations in the new guideline statement include:
- Practitioners should develop personalized goals for glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes based on benefits and harms of pharmacotherapy, patients' preferences, and other related factors.
- Patients with type 2 diabetes who achieve HbA1c levels of less than 6.5% should be considered for therapy deintensification.
- Practitioners should treat certain patients with type 2 diabetes to minimize symptoms and avoid targeting an HbA1c level because the harms outweigh the benefits in these patients. This may include patients with a life expectancy less than 10 years due to older age, residence in a nursing home, or chronic conditions.
To view the full clinical guideline update, click here.
—Christina Vogt
Reference:
Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, Kansagara K, Horwitch C, Barry MJ, Forciea MA; Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Hemoglobin A1c targets for glycemic control with pharmacologic therapy for nonpregnant adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a guidance statement update from the American College of Physicians [Published online March 6, 2018]. Ann Intern Med. doi:10.7326/M17-0939.