New Study on Diabetes Risk Emphasizes Value of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in Prevention and Treatment, Says Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

FOR RELEASE AUGUST 14, 2014

CHICAGO – A new study, indicating that Americans have approximately a 40 percent risk of developing diabetes during their lifetime, offers more evidence that nutrition counseling provided by a registered dietitian nutritionist can help prevent or delay diabetes and its related health problems through lifestyle and dietary changes, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

“Health professionals are in agreement that nutrition services are one of the first treatments individuals should receive to improve conditions such as diabetes and its related complications,” said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy Spokesperson Angela Ginn.

The study, by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, says: “Continued increases in the incidence of diagnosed diabetes combined with declining mortality have led to an acceleration of lifetime risk and more years spent with diabetes, but fewer years lost to the disease for the average individual with diabetes. These findings mean that there will be a continued need for health services and extensive costs to manage the disease, and emphasize the need for effective interventions to reduce incidence.”

“Research has shown that weight loss through moderate diet changes and physical activity plays a significant role in preventing or delaying diabetes and its complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage and other health problems. A registered dietitian nutritionist is one of your best resources for developing a plan to make these lifestyle changes,” said Ginn, who is also a certified diabetes educator.

“For those who have been diagnosed with diabetes, an RDN can create an eating plan tailored just for you, taking into account your weight, medicines, lifestyle and other health problems you may have. The expert advice of an RDN can help you manage your diabetes while ensuring you get the nutrients your body needs.”

RDNs often work as part of a medical team, in many practice settings, such as hospitals, physician offices, private practice and other health care facilities, and medical nutrition therapy provided by an RDN is covered by numerous insurance plans including Medicare Part B.

“Check with your insurance plan for specific medical nutrition therapy coverage details. Your plan may cover nutrition counseling for chronic conditions and health concerns like diabetes and prediabetes. Together with a registered dietitian nutritionist, you can set nutrition goals to improve your health,” Ginn said.

“Ask your doctor if a referral for medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian nutritionist is right for you. With a physician's referral, you can make an appointment to see the RDN at your local hospital outpatient department, physician clinic or at an RDN’s practice near your home.”

For help developing a healthful eating plan that can help prevent the onset of diabetes, consult a registered dietitian nutritionist in your area.

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All registered dietitians are nutritionists – but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. The Academy's Board of Directors and Commission on Dietetic Registration have determined that those who hold the credential registered dietitian (RD) may optionally use "registered dietitian nutritionist" (RDN) instead. The two credentials have identical meanings.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Encourages Everyone to Eat Right and Exercise to Prevent and Treat Diabetes

For Release October 30, 2013
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Encourages Everyone to Eat Right and Exercise to Prevent and Treat Diabetes 

CHICAGO – With more than 25 million people in the United States currently living with diabetes and another 79 million with prediabetes, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages all Americans to take positive steps towards improving their health as part of American Diabetes Month and beyond. 

What are Diabetes and Prediabetes?
Simply defined, diabetes is a condition that affects the way the body converts sugar, starch and other substances found in food into energy. People with diabetes have a high level of glucose in their blood, which can be caused by too little insulin being produced by the pancreas, the body not accepting or using the insulin it produces, or a combination of both. Blood glucose (blood sugar) levels must be controlled through a healthful eating plan as designed by a professional like a registered dietitian nutritionist, physical activity and, for some people, medication or insulin injections. 

“Prediabetes occurs when your blood glucose levels are higher than the normal range but not high enough to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes,” said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy Spokesperson Toby Smithson. “If left untreated, 15 to 30 percent of people diagnosed with prediabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes within five years.”

How to Prevent Diabetes
While Type 1 diabetes often begins in childhood and the onset is sudden and often unpreventable, Type 2 diabetes develops slowly, and diagnosis usually happens after age 40, but increasingly is being diagnosed in children and adolescents.
 
Type 2 diabetes is associated with certain risk factors, including older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism, physical inactivity and race/ethnicity. Research has demonstrated that Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by weight loss through moderate diet changes and physical activity.

“If you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes, it’s not too late,” Smithson said. “Studies have identified two effective strategies to help manage prediabetes and prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.”

1. Reduce your body weight by 7 percent. “While this weight loss may not put you at your goal weight, it is a step in the right direction toward managing your blood glucose levels and increasing your sensitivity to insulin.”

2. Get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week. “A great way to get started is by walking. Aim for 30 minutes of brisk walking five times a week.”

How to Treat Diabetes? 
“There is no one diet for all people with diabetes. There is, however, a ‘recipe’ for eating healthfully that is similar to recommendations for heart health, cancer prevention and weight management,” Smithson said. 

Following a balanced diet and eating meals at consistent times can help with weight loss and blood glucose control. 

Smithson recommends, when putting together a meal plan, keeping the following tips in mind:

• Be mindful of the amount and timing of the carbohydrates you eat.

• Eat a variety of quality carbohydrates every day, like whole-grain foods, low-fat milk or yogurt, fruits and vegetables.

• Eat less saturated and trans fat.

• Limit your consumption of alcohol.

• Monitor your overall sodium intake throughout the day.


“A registered dietitian nutritionist is one of your best resources for developing a plan to make these lifestyle changes,” Smithson said. “If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, an RDN can create a simple eating plan tailored just for you, taking into account your weight, medicines, lifestyle, tastes and other health problems you may have. The expert advice of an RDN can help you manage your diabetes while ensuring you get the nutrients your body needs.”

Registered dietitian nutritionists are food and nutrition experts who have completed multiple levels of training established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Some RDNs also have a specialty interest or an advanced credential such as Certified Diabetes Educator. An RDN who is a CDE will have a unique and specialized skill set to help educate people with diabetes on how to manage their condition and improve their outcomes. Visit www.eatright.org to find a registered dietitian nutritionist near you.

Are You Covered? 
Find out if your health insurance plan covers nutrition services for prediabetes and diabetes, along with access to qualified practitioners, like registered dietitian nutritionists. Call the member services number located on the back of your insurance card today.

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All registered dietitians are nutritionists – but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. The Academy’s Board of Directors and Commission on Dietetic Registration have determined that those who hold the credential registered dietitian (RD) may optionally use “registered dietitian nutritionist” (RDN) instead. The two credentials have identical meanings.


The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.



Media contact: Ryan O’Malley, Allison MacMunn800/877-1600, ext. 4769, 4802 media@eatright.org

Women who sit 4 to 7 hours per day, are more likely to show signs of type 2 diabetes

For Release May 1, 2012

Sitting at work all day increases diabetes risk in women: Academy of nutrition and dietetics offers tips to reduce your risk.

CHICAGO – A new study finds women who spend four to seven hours a day sitting are more likely to show early signs of type 2 diabetes, but researchers have found no such link in men. During National Women’s Health Week and beyond, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages all women to take steps to increase physical activity and decrease their risk of developing diabetes.

“The reality for many Americans is that we work nine-to-five jobs and are sedentary most of the work day, increasing our risk for developing type 2 diabetes,” said registered dietitian and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson Jessica Crandall. “The good news is that type 2 diabetes is preventable through maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in physical activity throughout the day, not just after you get home from work.”

The risk is still significant for women even if they engage in moderate or vigorous physical activity after a sedentary day at the office, according to the study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

“If you have a desk job, fight the urge to be a desk potato and take frequent breaks throughout the day—go for a walk or go to the gym during lunch, and instead of picking up the phone to call a coworker during the day, walk to his or her office to talk,” Crandall said.

Crandall also recommends taking short stress breaks throughout the day. “During the day, take a brisk ten-minute walk, stretch your muscles and stand while you’re on the phone instead of sitting,” she said. “Also, keep the candy bowl off your desk to avoid the urge to nibble for stress relief.”

According to Crandall, it is also important to know if you are at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, older age, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes or race/ethnicity.

The prevalence of diabetes is at least two to four times higher among African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, and Asian/Pacific Islander women than among white women. Because of the increasing lifespan of women and the rapid growth of minority populations, the number of women in the United States at high risk for diabetes and its complications is increasing.

“If you’re at risk for developing diabetes, work with a registered dietitian to develop an eating plan tailored for your lifestyle,” Crandall said.

“When you take steps to prevent diabetes, you will also lower your risk for possible complications of diabetes such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage and other health problems—that’s a big reward for you and your family and friends,” Crandall said. “A registered dietitian is the one of your best teammates when making these lifestyle changes.”

In commemoration of National Women’s Health Week, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has developed a library of information for women interested in eating right. To learn more, visit www.eatright.org/womenshealth.

For media interviews with Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokespeople, journalists can contact Ryan O’Malley at 312/899-4769 or email media@eatright.org.
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The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

Registered Dietitians Review and Rate Top Apps for Weight Management, Diabetes and Gluten-Free Eating

 REGISTERED DIETITIANS REVIEW AND RATE
TOP APPS FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT, DIABETES
AND GLUTEN-FREE EATING

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokespeople
provide expert guidance for consumer health apps

CHICAGO – Thousands of diet and nutrition apps are available for phones and tablets... so many, in fact, there are even apps to find apps. Rather than choosing food and nutrition apps based on the same criteria used to rate Angry Birds, Americans can now identify the best, science-based apps to assist them in losing weight, managing diabetes and eating gluten-free with help from registered dietitians and spokespeople of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association).

“Americans are increasingly turning to apps to support them in achieving their health goals, especially for New Year’s resolutions,” says registered dietitian and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson Marisa Moore. “While the right app can keep you on track to meeting these goals, the wrong app could be filled with misinformation and dangerous fads.”

To help consumers separate healthy, science-based tools from fads and misinformation, registered dietitians have reviewed and rated 30 of the most popular, free iPhone apps for gluten-free eating, weight management and diabetes:

·        Jessica Crandall, RD, CDE, reviews top-rated apps for gluten-free eating.

·        Sarah Krieger, MPH, RD, LDN, reviews top-rated apps for weight management.

·        Marisa Moore, MBA, RD, LD, reviews top-rated apps for managing diabetes.

“While many apps have sound nutritional information and can serve as a basis for healthy weight loss, no app can offer the individualized counseling, meal-planning and science-based nutrition expertise of a registered dietitian,” says Moore. “Registered dietitians have the knowledge and expertise to help everyone understand their personal diet needs, and help them develop an eating plan that is right for them.”

To read the reviews, visit www.eatright.org/appreviews. Academy spokespeople are available for interview and comment by contacting Ryan O’Malley at media@eatright.org.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.