Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics applauds USPSTF's recommendations on screening for diabetes

Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsOct 9 2014

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics applauds the work of the United States Preventative Services Task Force for amending its recommendations on screening for diabetes based on its review of current best evidence. USPSTF recommends screening for diabetes and prediabetes should now be performed for all adults over at 45, and that uniform insurance coverage for these critical screenings will help families have access to services enabling them to live a healthy life.

"Given the significant impact of type 2 diabetes on the nation's health and economy, the importance of efforts to reduce the incidence of diabetes has never been greater," said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy President Sonja Connor.

"These amended screening guidelines will make it possible for individuals to seek and obtain the medical guidance they need to prevent or manage diabetes, and lead a healthier life while also saving taxpayer dollars and health care spending," Connor said.

"Lifestyle changes are the most important factor for preventing or managing diabetes," Connor said. The Diabetes Prevention Program found lifestyle intervention reduced the risk by 50 percent that a person with prediabetes would develop diabetes.

"Eating nutritious foods, incorporating physical activity into daily routines and losing a modest amount of weight must be the first method of therapy for those with prediabetes and diabetes," Connor said.

"However, medical nutrition therapy, or nutrition counseling provided by registered dietitian nutritionists becomes necessary, it has demonstrated effectiveness in terms of patient outcomes and capacity to reduce health care spending by preventing chronic disease among patients at highest risk," Connor said.

Medical nutrition therapy provided by RDNs would be included in the health care services provided in the amended guidelines.

"Both MNT and the Diabetes Prevention Program show great promise for being included as Medicare-covered services for people with prediabetes. Registered dietitian nutritionists are poised to help individuals and families prevent and manage their diabetes thanks to these amended guidelines," Connor said.