The American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association has updated the guideline on preventing cardiovascular disease in adults with type 2 diabetes. The update is based on a review of current literature and clinical studies. The guideline summarizes findings, other guidelines, and clinical targets. Prior to this update, it was last revised in 2007.

The guideline team assigned an “A” level of evidence to the following recommendations, indicating they are based on clear evidence from well-conducted randomized trials:

Nutrition:

• Reduce energy intake for overweight/obese patients

• Individualize medical nutrition therapy for all diabetes patients

Obesity:

• Counsel overweight/obese patients that lifestyle changes can reduce weight by 3% to 5% and lead to clinically meaningful health benefits

• Consider bariatric surgery for those with high BMI who have not responded to behavioral programs

Blood pressure:

• Achieve a systolic BP of <140 mm/Hg in those with diabetes and hypertension

Cholesterol:

• Treat diabetes patients between 40 and 75 years of age and with LDL-C between 70 and 189 ml/dL with moderate intensity stains.

Citation: Update on Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Light of Recent Evidence. American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association. August 2015. DOI: 10.2337/dci15-0012.