On the Cutting Edge: Double Teamed: Collaborative Approaches for Mitigating CVD Risk in T2D (Vol. 40, No. 6)

In case you are not a basketball aficionado, the title "Double Teamed" refers to the defensive strategy frequently used against the opponent's best player. Coaches often assign two players to guard the highest scorer on the other team in order to limit the damage they can do. This title emphasizes the serious threat of cardiovascular disease (CVD) for those who live with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and to encourage all healthcare professionals to team up against this major adversary.

CPEU: 4.0
CPE Level: 2

The comprehensive approach to the management of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) begins with understanding and stratifying risk. Dr. Baecher's article, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk – Understanding the Latest Assessment Strategies, outlines novel markers, risk enhancers and imaging tools to aid in making treatment decisions, especially in patients who are low/moderate risk or those with subclinical atherosclerosis.

The article Understanding Current Cardiovascular Treatment Guidelines for Adults with Diabetes will compare and contrast current guidelines to help RDNs and diabetes educators translate these recommendations into practice for the prevention and treatment of ASCVD in patients with diabetes.

The article Benefits of SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Beyond Glycemic Control will review the relationship between diabetes, CVD, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dr. Morgan Jones and Dr. Evan Sisson will discuss the important benefits of diabetes medications and offer practical advice for the RDNs supporting people with diabetes.

In the article Eating Patterns and Management of Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes – Emerging Science, Karen Lau, MS, RDN, CDCES, explores the various eating patterns detailed in the 2019 Nutrition Consensus report. Through the lens of CVD risk reduction, plant-based, DASH and Mediterranean diets offer superior long term benefits.

It has been suggested that sleep and exercise should be considered "vital signs" that are assessed at each visit with our clients. Both of these articles, Insufficient Sleep as a Contributor to Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Risk and Exercise as Medicine™ for Clients with Diabetes: Strategies for Increasing Movement, provide the background science linking sleep and inactivity to CVD as well as actionable tips for encouraging behavior changes that can help reduce risk.

In Expanded Roles for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in Managing Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk, the authors will explore how an RDN can expand their scope of practice in their institution and offer a road map for RDNs who are interested in expanding their own practice.