Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine professor shapes national standards of diabetes care

Elizabeth Beverly, Ph.D., Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine professor of primary care, and Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Ralph S. Licklider, D.O., Endowed Professor in Behavioral Diabetes, will serve on the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Professional Practice Committee (PPC) to establish the national Standards of Care in Diabetes. The ADA Standards of Care are the “gold standard” for recommendations regarding the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, prediabetes, and any associated comorbidities.  Those demonstrating excellence in clinical practice and research are appointed to the PPC, making Beverly’s appointment a prestigious honor. 

“It is a huge honor, and I don't take that lightly,” said Beverly, who is also co-director of the Diabetes Institute. “I need to make sure I'm honoring the field and that the people in my field feel that I have honored them, the work that they've done, and I've given it justice.” 

Annual revisions to the Standards of Care are conducted by the PPC. Each of the Standards of Care’s 17 sections are reviewed by a PPC member–designated as the section lead–with the assistance of a subcommittee of subject matter experts. 

Beverly will serve as the designated section lead for Section 5 of the Standards of Care, “Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors and Well-being to Improve Health Outcomes,” deeming her one of the nation’s primary representatives for the field of behavioral diabetes. This role requires a three-year commitment. Beverly will be a lead contributor on the 2025, 2026 and 2027 Standards of Care. 

Through this work, Beverly will provide caregivers with the latest evidence-based recommendations for addressing psychosocial concerns associated with diabetes. People living with diabetes are at an increased risk for diabetes distress, depression, anxiety, disordered eating and potential cognitive issues.

Previously, Beverly served as the content expert in adult behavioral health on the subcommittee for Section 5 of the 2024 Standards of Care. In that role, Beverly made specific contributions regarding psychosocial care and diabetes education.