The ins and outs of insulin updates, new guidelines, and more

Perhaps no drug has undergone more changes in recent years than insulin. From price caps to new formulations to the growing availability of closed-loop continuous glucose monitoring systems, it can be tough for physicians to keep up. Our story aims to help you with that by providing a comprehensive update along with expert advice. Charlotte Huff reviews changes in pricing driven by federal regulations, the effect of increased use of newer diabetes medications (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, specifically), and potential approval of a once-weekly product, among other topics.

Last July, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology updated their joint guideline on management of chronic coronary disease for the first time since 2014. The new guideline emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications, addresses changes to several medications (including the recommended length of therapy with beta-blockers), and offers advice on the ideal frequency for monitoring (it might not be as frequently as you're used to in patients with stable disease). Read our story for more.

Other recent guidance, this time on colorectal cancer screening, is also covered in this issue. In December 2023, ACP and Annals of Internal Medicine hosted a live virtual forum on the topic. Experts reviewed current recommendations, including those from ACP, and discussed how to apply them to several clinical vignettes, in addition to answering questions submitted in advance by audience members.

Our conference coverage comes from Kidney Week, held in Philadelphia in November 2023, where an endocrinologist provided a detailed update on current best practices for diagnosis and management of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD) in outpatients. Learn more on common mimics of SIAD, relevant diagnostic tests, and the latest on treatments. (If you immediately thought 'salt tablets,' our story will explain why you may want to reach for a different tool in your armamentarium.)

Also in this issue, Pearls from I.M. Peers details one ACP Member's tips on providing inclusive care for transgender patients, while I.M. Ready offers expert advice on the basics of coding and documenting a patient visit and some common pitfalls to avoid. Last but not least, ACP's President discusses the ethical nexus of purpose over profit in health care and our Chief Advocacy Officer offers readers some health policy valentines.

What's top of your list in health care advocacy this year? Let us know.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Kearney-Strouse
Executive Editor