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Evidence-based Research on Diabetes Education

Offering the latest research on diabetes and the value of diabetes education through ADCES-led research and external journal articles

ADCES Diabetes Research

The aim of ADCES® research is to critically examine the value that diabetes care and education specialists and diabetes education add to improved clinical measures, enhanced patient outcomes and improved medical costs. We pursue research opportunities to contribute to the evidence base; expand opportunities for diabetes care and education specialists; and improve member awareness, comprehension and analysis of relevant scientific information.

A Collaborative Approach

Health services research is a collaborative approach to clinical research and requires a multidisciplinary team of subject matter and methodological experts to achieve optimal outcomes. Our research strategy is presented for consideration not only to ADCES and its membership as an organization but also as an agenda for all health services researchers participating across the diabetes care and education research continuum. 

Research Strategy

ADCES recognizes the need to engage and support/collaborate with health services researchers interested in implementing services that positively impact clinical, behavioral, safety, quality, and economic outcomes and enhance the experience for both the person with or at risk for diabetes and the provider.

Research Agenda

This research agenda aims to guide researchers to design and test hypotheses which will support development and implementation of evidenced-based best practices for diabetes care and education services including:

  • Diabetes Technology
  • Telehealth for delivery of diabetes education
  • Diabetes Care and Education Guideline Implementation
    • Decision support for both people with diabetes and providers for optimal health outcomes
    • EHR strategies to facilitate DSMES referrals
    • Establishing an accurate diagnosis and providing tailored education
  • Health Equity
  • Peer to Peer Diabetes Support, peer navigation
  • Patient Reminders related to the ADCES7 Self-Care Behaviors™
  • DCES as coach (exercise, nutrition) – Role of the DCES
  • Precision Medicine, AI, data science for DSMES and diabetes care
  • Innovative DSMES services – redesigning programs, delivery system redesign
  • Community resources and policies
    • Built environment (in conjunction with existing organization) as it relates to DSMES

Implementation Science Approach

The cornerstone of evidence-based practice and health services delivery incorporating health equity among diverse populations with or at risk for diabetes underpins all aspects of diabetes care and education translational research.  Our proposed research strategy is an Implementation Science approach to engage health systems and all members of the care team, providers and people with diabetes in addressing health equity.

This approach leverages the foundation of the ADCES strategic research priorities for moving the field forward. The ADCES Research Committee seeks to:

  1. Generate interest in translational research supporting the science of diabetes care and education
  2. Disseminate the ADCES research agenda to relevant stakeholders through ADCES communication channels
  3. Solicit applications for research projects supporting this agenda
  4. Take this agenda under consideration when choosing a recipient of the ADCES/CBDCE Mentored Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Integrated Diabetes Management

View Our Research Agenda for Background & Process

Research Resources

ADCES values the contribution of research in diabetes education and the support this research offers the diabetes care and education specialist and the people who have or are at risk for diabetes.

We also value the privacy of our members. The policy for access to our membership for survey research recognizes both of these values in its effort to support the growth and expansion of the profession.

The ADCES Foundation tackles critical problems impacting the dissemination of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) and supports strong and effective partner organizations interested in doing the same. We believe that good stewardship means maximizing our resources, including grant funding and staff time, while building strong partnerships based on trust.

We aim to structure grants in a way that makes sense from a financial perspective while also funding partners for the cost of delivering results efficiently supported by open and honest dialogue about the resources required. If you have questions about this policy, feel free to contact the ADCES Foundation. Our finance team can help clarify appropriate treatment of costs under the foundation’s indirect cost policy.

View the ADCES Foundation Cost Policy & Guidance