Having had the privilege of overseeing the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care for several years, I know firsthand how influential this annual 350+ page tour-de-force is — and the incredible dedication of global professionals who make it possible.

Here are my quick takes from the newly released 2026 Standards:

• Big push on Automated Insulin Delivery (AID): Strong recommendation to offer AID to virtually anyone with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) on multiple daily insulin (MDI).
• GLP-1 & GLP-1/GIP: Expanded therapeutic roles: In liver, kidney, and cardiovascular disease management — reflecting the evolving evidence base.
• Digital health takes center stage: Recognition of digital tools in diabetes prevention and diabetes self-management support (DSMES)
• Clear algorithms for Heart failure and ASCVD: Well-designed figures that brings clarity to increasingly complex cardiometabolic pathways.
• Expanded behavioral health screening: A strong acknowledgement of the whole-person needs in diabetes care.

https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/49/Supplement_1/S1/163916/Introduction-and-Methodology-Standards-of-Care-in

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) “Standards of Care in Diabetes,” referred to here as the Standards of Care, serves as a comprehensive resource to clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. It outlines key elements of diabetes care, sets treatment goals, and provides tools to assess care quality, all directed at improving diabetes care and outcomes across diverse populations.