The amount of research and technology related to diabetes mellitus has grown dramatically over the past few decades. This knowledge has led to many advances in the detection and treatment of prediabetes and diabetes and the prevention of their related complications. However, there continues to be a distinct gap between these advances and the medical care of patients with diabetes. This article focuses on translational research findings that address the causes of this gap and that attempt to find methods to close this gap at the level of the provider, healthcare system, and patient. The research findings are discussed in terms of elements of the chronic care model originally proposed by Wagner et al. to help optimize the care of patients with any chronic disease such as diabetes.