A practice-based research network focused on comparative effectiveness research in type 2 diabetes management.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Diabetes Care
• Health Services Research
• Comparative Effectiveness Research

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management varies significantly in real-world clinical practice.
• Understanding patient management in primary care is crucial for improving health outcomes.
• Existing research often lacks data from diverse, typical patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a practice-based research network for T2DM in North America.
• To conduct comparative effectiveness research and inform healthcare decision-making.
• To gain insights into individualized patient management strategies in primary care.

Main Methods:

• Diabetes FORWARD (Foundation of Real-World Assessment and Research in Diabetes) is a longitudinal, noninterventional study.
• Anticipates enrollment of 10,000 patients with T2DM, stratified for primary care representation.
• Utilizes streamlined data collection via electronic medical records and patient surveys.

Main Results:

• Expected to yield real-world data on T2DM management variations across settings and clinicians.
• Will assess the impact of management on glycemic control, adherence, and clinical outcomes.
• Will track the effect of diabetes management on microvascular and cardiovascular complications at 6-month intervals.

Conclusions:

• Diabetes FORWARD is the first diabetes-focused, practice-based research network in the US and Canada.
• The platform will provide robust data reflecting typical T2DM clinical management in North America.
• Findings will enhance understanding of real-world diabetes care and support evidence-based decision-making.