This year, the ADA Standards focused on the importance of fiber. Since fiber intake is so important to our health, we decided to deem it the new “F” word for 2022. To highlight this under-consumed nutrient, we quizzed test takers on the goal of fiber intake. 70% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to share this important updated information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!

Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer below: Answer Question

Question: AR has type 2 diabetes, is on metformin 1000mg BID, has a UACR of 28 mg/g and a GFR of 62.  AR is struggling with constipation. What are the ADA Fiber Intake Recommendations?

Answer Choices:

• 14 grams of fiber for every 1000 k/cal
• Goal is to consume about 55 grams of fiber a day
• Eat fiber at least three times a day
• Try to consume 16 oz’s legumes/ day

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As shown above, the most common choice was option 1, the second most common answer was option 2, then option 3, and then finally option 4.

Getting to the Best Answer

Answer 1 is correct. 70.11% chose this answer, “14 grams of fiber for every 1000 k/cal.” YES, GREAT JOB. This is the best answer based on the ADA Standards of Care and national nutrition guidelines. The daily goal is to consume about 30gms of fiber a day. Yet, most Americans only eat about half that amount. Approximately 70% of the food consumed in the U.S. is processed. Processed and fast foods are notorious for low fiber content. Fiber intake is associated with better overall health, improved longevity, and happier gut bacteria. By increasing intake of fresh fruit, legumes, vegetables, popcorn, avocados, whole grains, and nuts, we would all feel a little bit better.

Answer 2 is incorrect. 19.38% of you chose this answer, “Goal is to consume about 55 grams of fiber a day.” This is a juicy answer, but a little ambitious. The daily goal is to consume about 30gms of fiber a day. Yet, most Americans only eat about half that amount.

Answer 3 is incorrect. 8.88% of respondents chose this answer, “Eat fiber at least three times a day.” Eating fiber at each meal is a great idea, but the goal is to consume at least 30gms a day.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 1.63% chose this answer, “Try to consume 16 oz’s legumes/ day.” While legumes are very high in fiber (16 ounces of beans, packs 70gms of fiber), the goal is to consume 30gms from whatever sources of fiber the individual enjoys most.

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

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Want to learn more about this topic?

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Two Registration Options

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Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Deluxe | 30+ CEs

Deluxe Option for $499: Virtual Program includes:

• Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar.
• LIVE Presentations by our team of experts.
• State of the art review of current diabetes care and technology.
• Resources for each session.
• Access to free podcasts and video recordings within a week of each live session for one year.

Deluxe Version includes Syllabus, Standards and Swag*:

• Diabetes Educator Course 2022 Syllabus Hard Copy – over 100 pages -This spiral-bound workbook contains the printed version of all of the instructor’s slides.
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• DiabetesEd Services highlighters, Medication PocketCard, Tote Bag and Pen

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Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Basic | 30+ CEs

Deluxe Option for $499: Virtual Program includes:

• Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar.
• LIVE Presentations by our team of experts.
• State of the art review of current diabetes care and technology.
• Resources for each session.
• Access to free podcasts and video recordings within a week of each live session for one year.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.

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