Hospitals across the United States are being recognized for leading the way in prioritizing the needs of patients with diabetes. On June 4, 2025, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and The Leapfrog Group announced the 36 recipients of the 2025 “Recognized Leader in Caring for People Living with Diabetes” designation. This award underscores the hospitals’ dedication to high-quality inpatient care for the 30% of hospitalized Americans who are living with diabetes.
Table of Contents
- Why Inpatient Diabetes Care Matters
- What It Takes to Earn Recognition
- The 2025 Recognized Leaders
- Broader Implications for Diabetes Care
- Looking Ahead to 2026
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Why Inpatient Diabetes Care Matters
Each year, approximately 8 million Americans with diabetes are hospitalized. These patients face increased risks from complications like infections, comas, and amputations, which can result from common medical errors or gaps in care. For this vulnerable group, proper inpatient management is not just beneficial—it can be life-saving.
According to Osagie Ebekozien, MD, MPH, the ADA’s Chief Quality Officer, “Moving evidence-based standards of care into practice opens doors to improved quality outcomes for people living with diabetes.” Providing reliable, standardized care during hospital stays is a critical part of managing diabetes and reducing preventable harm.
What It Takes to Earn Recognition
The Recognized Leader designation is based on rigorous evaluation criteria jointly developed by the ADA and The Leapfrog Group. These standards incorporate the ADA’s Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025 and Leapfrog’s hospital safety and quality benchmarks.
To qualify, hospitals must demonstrate excellence in:
- Blood glucose monitoring and hypoglycemia protocols
- Pre-surgical preparation for individuals with diabetes
- Coordinated meals and insulin regimens
- Comprehensive discharge planning for high-risk patients
Moreover, hospitals are assessed on both the implementation of these processes and how well they deliver actual patient care, evaluated through audits of random patient records.
Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, emphasized the importance of the program: “Protecting people from medical errors and infections is a major challenge in American hospitals, and it’s even more of a challenge when a person is living with diabetes. So much can go wrong so quickly.”
The 2025 Recognized Leaders
This year, 36 hospitals from 12 states earned the prestigious recognition, more than doubling last year’s total. The expansion of this list reflects increasing national awareness and action on inpatient diabetes care.
California:
- Eden Medical Center
- Eisenhower Medical Center
- Loma Linda University Medical Center
- Loma Linda University Medical Center East Campus
- Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
- UCI Health
Colorado:
- Denver Health Medical Center
Florida:
- AdventHealth Waterman
- Orlando Health South Lake Hospital
Louisiana:
- St. Tammany Health System
New Jersey:
- Hackensack University Medical Center
- Jersey Shore University Medical Center
- Shore Medical Center
New York:
- Glen Cove Hospital
- Plainview Hospital
- Syosset Hospital
North Carolina:
- Novant Health (Matthews, Presbyterian, Huntersville, Thomasville, Kernersville, Mint Hill)
Ohio:
- The Christ Hospital
Pennsylvania:
- Geisinger (Bloomsburg, Community Medical Center, Jersey Shore, Lewistown, Medical Center, Muncy, Shamokin Area, Wyoming Valley)
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Tennessee:
- Maury Regional Hospital
Texas:
- Texas Health Huguley Hospital
- Titus Regional Medical Center
Washington:
- EvergreenHealth
Each of these institutions has implemented care practices that exceed the national average and exemplify leadership in patient safety and diabetes-specific protocols.
Broader Implications for Diabetes Care
The growing interest in this recognition program highlights a broader shift toward more proactive diabetes care in inpatient settings. Hospitals that prioritize blood glucose control, surgical risk management, and discharge planning are helping reduce the longer-term consequences of hospitalization for patients with diabetes.
As Binder pointed out, “We congratulate this year’s recognized leaders for their pioneering approach to ensuring vigilance in protecting these people.”
With an estimated 136 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes, these improvements have potential ripple effects across the entire healthcare system, from reducing readmissions to easing the burden on emergency departments.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Applications for the 2026 round of recognition open on July 1, 2025, and are due by January 31, 2026. Hospitals interested in applying can find full details on the ADA’s and Leapfrog Group’s websites. The initiative provides a roadmap for institutions seeking to enhance their diabetes care models and elevate their standard of care.
The increased number of applicants in just the second year of the program suggests strong momentum. It also sends a clear message to hospitals nationwide: addressing diabetes in inpatient settings is no longer optional—it’s a marker of clinical excellence and patient-centered care.
Conclusion
The ADA and Leapfrog Group’s joint recognition of 36 hospitals in 2025 marks a major step forward in inpatient diabetes care. With rigorous standards and an evidence-based approach, this program provides hospitals with both a challenge and a pathway to excellence. For healthcare professionals, this recognition sets a new benchmark in diabetes management. For patients, it signals that safer, smarter care is becoming the new norm.
FAQs
What is the Recognized Leader in Caring for People Living with Diabetes program? It’s a designation created by the ADA and The Leapfrog Group to honor hospitals that demonstrate exceptional care for inpatient diabetes patients.
How are hospitals evaluated for this recognition? Hospitals are assessed based on adherence to ADA guidelines and Leapfrog safety standards, including blood glucose management and discharge protocols.
Why is inpatient diabetes care important? Hospitalized patients with diabetes face heightened risks of complications, making tailored and consistent care essential.
How many hospitals received the recognition in 2025? A total of 36 hospitals across 12 states were honored in 2025.
How can hospitals apply for the 2026 designation? Applications open July 1, 2025, and are due by January 31, 2026. More information is available on the ADA’s website.
Disclaimer
“This content is not medical advice. For any health issues, always consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services.”