For last week’s practice question, we quizzed test takers on the most accurate MNT statement based on the new ADA Standards of Care. 60% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to share this important 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: Based on the 2022 ADA Standards of care on Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), which statement is most accurate?

Answer Choices:

• MNT provided by a RD/RDN is associated with A1c absolute decreases of 0.3 to 2.0 percent.
• A low carbohydrate, high protein diet is associated with increased risk of renal failure.
• With new type 2 diabetes, try to achieve A1c targets with MNT for 3 months before advancing to medication therapy.
• People with diabetes and hypertension have improved outcomes when they decrease sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg a day.

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

Getting to the Best Answer

Answer 1 is correct. 59.91% chose this answer, “MNT provided by a RD/RDN is associated with A1c absolute decreases of 0.3 to 2.0 percent.” Yes, this is the best answer. When people with prediabetes or diabetes work with a registered dietitian/nutritionist to develop an individualized approach to meal planning, they are able to make significant changes in their food choices, portions and improve their overall nourishment – all resulting in significant A1C drops. The ADA Standards recommend that a person with new diabetes meet with an RD soon after diagnosis and at least annually thereafter.

Answer 2 is incorrect. 7.78% of you chose this answer, “A low carbohydrate, high protein diet is associated with increased risk of renal failure.” This juicy answer is tempting. However, there is not evidence to support the statement that high protein diets increase the risk of renal failure. The ADA does state that there is evidence to support limiting carbohydrates to improve blood glucose levels. But most important, all approaches need to be individualized.

Answer 3 is incorrect. 16.89% of respondents chose this answer, “With new type 2 diabetes, try to achieve A1c targets with MNT for 3 months before advancing to medication therapy.” For most people it can take over 5-6 years to discover diabetes and for many, there is already vessel damage and the beginnings of complications at diagnosis. For this reason and to slow the progression of complications, lifestyle and medication therapy are started simultaneously.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 15.42% chose this answer, “People with diabetes and hypertension have improved outcomes when they decrease sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg a day.” The standards recommend limiting sodium intake to about 2,300mgs a day for people with diabetes. However, they do not recommend going lower than 1,500mgs a day, because there isn’t enough data demonstrating that very low sodium intake improves heart health and it may even be harmful.

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!

Want to learn more about this topic- Our nutrition expert will review MNT for over 3 hours on April 15th.

Join us for our Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference
30+ CEs | April 13-15, 2022

Whether you are new to diabetes or a seasoned expert, you’ll benefit from this virtual conference with the latest research plus critical content that you can immediately apply to your clinical practice.

If you are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. This program can also be a great addition to your CDCES or BC-ADM exam study plan.

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Team of expert faculty includes:

• Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES – Educator of the Year, 2020
• Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
• Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Program Coordinator

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Two Registration Options

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Deluxe Option for $499: Virtual Program includes:

• Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar.
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• State of the art review of current diabetes care and technology.
• Resources for each session.
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• 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

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.

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