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.
ADCES Research Strategy and Agenda
ADCES's 2026-2028 Research Agenda is aligned with the ADCES Strategic Plan to direct diabetes care and education specialists (DCES) to relevant realms of clinical inquiry. The Research Plan is designed to provide direction as to where evidence is needed to support the specialty and DCESs functioning across the spectrum of practice settings and by research interest levels.
Introduction
ADCES aims to expand DCESs expertise and facilitate access to diabetes care and education services through the current strategic plan. The Association recognizes that achieving these goals requires clinical inquiry, namely evidence-based clinical inquiry (EBQI) and research, that translates what is already known from research into practice (i.e., “translational research”).
This agenda is closely aligned with the 2025-2028 ADCES Strategic Plan. The three goals of both the Strategic Plan and the Research Agenda are: improving access to diabetes care and education; advancing the expertise of DCESs; and growing and diversifying ADCES membership with a focus on diversity in team-based care.
2026-2028 ADCES Research Agenda
This 2026-2028 Research Agenda provides an outline of evidence needed in areas corresponding with the Strategic Plan goals where knowledge gaps exist and one example of a suggested research topic, question, and setting that DCESs could pursue at a variety of research levels for each area of focus.
I. Improve access to diabetes care and education
- Sample topic: Evidence for the value of diabetes care and education
- Sample question: What are cost-beneficial staffing models for DSMES programs?
- Sample setting: Primary care
II. Advance the expertise of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists
- Sample topic: Evidence to enhance the knowledge of DCESs
- Sample question: What methods are effective in teaching DCESs to implement use of diabetes technology?
- Sample settings: Outpatient diabetes program
III. Grow and diversify membership - diversity in team-based care
- Sample topic: Evidence to support career enhancement opportunities
- Sample question: What are the relationships among DCES responsibilities, level of pay, and job satisfaction?
- Sample setting: A health care system
Resources
A series of three articles published in ADCES in Practice provides an overview of clinical inquiry in diabetes care and education and discusses how to conduct both evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI) and research studies. The series provides further discussion around and examples of EBQI and translational research that is needed in the specialty and could be pursued by DCESs across the spectrum of practice/education in a variety of settings.
1. Rieke J, Visser M, Barber R, et al. From Educators to Innovators: Part 1: The Case for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists in Clinical Inquiry. ADCES in Practice. 2025;13(4):64-68. doi:10.1177/2633559X251351615
2. Barber R, Allen NA, Rieke J, et al. From Educators to Innovators: Part 2: Empowering the DCES as a Leader in Evidence-Based Quality Improvement. ADCES in Practice. 2025;0(0). doi:10.1177/2633559X251366101
3. Coming soon
Diabetes Technology Research
We offer research-based guidance on technologies that facilitate disease management to practicing diabetes care and education specialists.
Take a look at some of our research on diabetes technology.
View Technology ResearchResearch 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.