Going Beyond Glycosylated Hemoglobin: How Dietitians Impact Outpatient Diabetes Care and Outcomes

Although glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) is used as the gold standard to assess diabetes status, it may not capture outcomes that are meaningful to patients. Registered dietitian nutritionists are uniquely positioned to impact diabetes care by focusing on patient-driven care and health outcomes. While RDNs are using medical nutrition therapy to improve health and quality of life, finding ways to objectively and systematically measure impact of MNT is challenging.

This session covers emerging outcomes research and best practices which demonstrate the efficacy of outpatient diabetes nutrition care as delivered by RDNs. An interactive case-based illustration will drive home the application of the concepts presented.

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1.0

Performance Indicators

• 6.2.2 Selects and uses appropriate tools and skills to collect and interpret research data.
• 3.2.8 Challenges, encourages and supports others to take action to advance the profession.
• 7.4.1 Utilizes valid quality management tools to track and analyze data and to inform decisions.

Learning Objectives

• Describe research demonstrating the efficacy of diabetes MNT outcomes beyond A1c
• Discuss open questions and challenges in linking delivered MNT to outcomes
• Apply practical tools for best practices in systematically capturing nutrition care related diabetes health outcomes

Moderator

• Lindsay Woodcock

Speakers

• Casey Colin
• Patricia Davidson