For Question of the Week, QoW, test takers usually choose the correct answer 70-80% of the time. However, for this question of the week, about 56% of respondents chose the correct answer.

This presents a perfect opportunity for another answer rationale. We’ll explore this question and the best answer in more detail and throw in some test-taking tips along the way. Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer below:

Question of the week:

Which of the following is an accurate recommendation according to the nutrition principles as outlined by the American Diabetes Association Standards of Care?

Answer Choices:

1. Maintain pleasure of eating by taking a non-judgmental approach
2. Limit added sugar intake to less than 6 teaspoons a day
3. Include cinnamon in meal plan to reduce glucose levels
4. Encourage people with diabetes to reach BMI goal of less than 25

As shown above, the most common choice was option 1, the second most common answer was option 2, then option 4. No one chose option 3.

Option 1 is the correct answer. “Maintain pleasure of eating by taking a non-judgmental approach” has been a mainstay of the ADA’s Medical Nutrition Therapy principles for years. This statement beautifully speaks to the importance of taking a person-centered approach with a clear vision of promoting a healthy relationship with food.

Option 2 is incorrect because although the ADA and AHA both recommend that added sugar intake should be limited to about 6 teaspoons a day, the American Diabetes Association has not taken a specific stance on sugar intake per day.

The most recent comprehensive document, the 2019 ADA Nutrition Therapy Consensus Report states on page 3 to “minimize sugar and refined grains” and on page 10 they state “replace sugar sweetened beverages with water as often as possible”.

Option 3 was not chosen. Good job! Based on the lack of scientific evidence, the ADA does not endorse any nutraceuticals or supplements to reduce glucose levels.

Option 4 is incorrect because it is not individualized or based on the standards. The ADA goal for people with diabetes is to strive for a long term goal of 5% weight loss to improve outcomes. To achieve this structured programs and ongoing support are critical.,

BMI of 25: Based on population studies, the risk of getting diabetes increases with a BMI of 25 or greater (for Asians a BMI of 23 or greater). See our Diabetes Risk and Diagnosis Cheat Sheet. As a community, this means we want to help our children move into adulthood with a sound knowledge of healthy eating and active lifestyles to empower them to prevent prediabetes and diabetes.

We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale and keep studying hard! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!

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