On the Cutting Edge: The Epidemic of Prediabetes The RDNs Role in Lifestyle Counseling and Risk Reduction (Vol. 42, No. 2)

This product is free for DDPG members.

This issue is devoted exclusively to the subject or theme of prediabetes.

Anna Parker, DCN, MS, RD, CDCES, FAND, CCRC, a clinical research dietitian, reviews the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS) in her article Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and DPP Outcomes Study Review. These landmark studies were designed to assess whether lifestyle intervention or metformin could prevent or delay T2D. Dr. Parker highlights the role of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in the prevention of T2D.

Many of us are aware that prediabetes is more common in certain groups: including older adults, women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and in those with a history of Gestational Diabetes (GDM). Unfortunately, we are also now seeing a substantial rise of prediabetes in our youth. Prediabetes also disproportionally affects many ethnic groups, including Black, Asian and Hispanic populations. The article Prediabetes in Special Populations is a summary of diabetes prevention in each of these populations authored by Candice Tufano, RD, LD, Jacqueline Wyman, MS, RD, LD, Ka Hei Karen Lau, MS, RDN, LDN, CDCES and Kathy Warwick, RDN, LDN, CDCES.

In their article Don’t Let the ‘Pre’ Fool You, Mary Lou Perry, MS, RDN, CDCES and Donna White, RPh, BCACP, CDCES, describe the heightened cardiovascular risk of prediabetes, the shared pathological pathways, and the importance of a multipronged approach for management. The authors furthermore highlight the important role of the RDN in mitigating risk along the continuum of hyperglycemia and they conclude with practical strategies for providers.

Douglas Glazer, DPE, ATC, and Jacqueline Ifat Shahar, MEd, RCEP, CDCES expound on the benefits of different types of exercise and underscore the importance of decreasing sedentary time for diabetes prevention in their article Physical Activity/Exercise for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention.

Mary Ann Hodorowicz, RDN, CDCES, MBA, CEC describes the nuts and bolts of a prevention program as well in the article National Diabetes Prevention Program - What You Need to Know. One of the biggest challenges faced by diabetes prevention programs is offering a quality program that can remain financially solvent.

Pamela Geis, BA and Marilyn Hodgsen, RN, MSN, CDCES discuss the public and private partnerships involved in the Wisconsin effort to sustain diabetes prevention efforts across the state in the article Wisconsin Partners Building Infrastructure to Sustain Diabetes Prevention Program.

Tamara Simmons leads us on an inspirational journey from patient to coach in her article From Potential Heart Transplant to DPP Lifestyle Coach: The Impact of a Diabetes Prevention Program. Tamara discusses the health issues that led her to become a DPP participant and how she was motivated to use what she learned to help others.

CPEU: 4.0
CPE Level: 2

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss the rationale behind and the current research supporting diabetes prevention efforts.
2. Describe diabetes prevention in a variety of special populations
3. Explain the link between prediabetes and potential cardiometabolic complications.

Publish 2021
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