PEN® eNews 14(10) October 2024 - Thank you PEN Contributors!

Dietitians Make a Difference in Chronic Disease Management

Compared to usual care, nutrition counselling from a dietitian (or international equivalent) probably improves the following outcomes:

• blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) in adults with chronic kidney disease who are not receiving dialysis
• weight outcomes (waist circumference, percent weight loss, BMI) in adults with overweight or obesity who are involved in short-term (<12 months) weight management interventions

• blood lipids (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides) and blood pressure (systolic blood pressure) in adults with dyslipidemia
• blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and quality of life in adults with overweight or obesity who are involved in weight management interventions
• glycemic control (A1C, fasting blood glucose), cholesterol levels, blood pressure and weight outcomes (weight, waist circumference, BMI) in adults with prediabetes
• urinary sodium excretion, in adults with chronic kidney disease who are not receiving dialysis

Compared to nutrition advice from other health professionals, nutrition counselling from a dietitian (or international equivalent) may improve glycemic control (A1C) and weight outcomes (weight, BMI) in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Dietitian involvement may improve weight and dietary intake in individuals with eating disorders when coupled with psychological treatment, compared to psychological treatment alone.

Dietitian involvement may not affect triglycerides or progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes (compared to usual care) or LDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure or diastolic blood pressure (compared to nutrition advice from other health professionals) in adults with type 2 diabetes. Similarly, dietitian involvement may not affect fasting blood glucose in adults involved in short-term (<12 months) weight management interventions. 

All but one systematic review included internationally equivalent certifications in their definition of a dietitian. 

As with other weight management interventions, dietitian-delivered interventions have only been shown to reduce weight in the short term. 

See Additional Content:
What is the effectiveness of dietary interventions for preventing or treating chronic disease in the primary care setting?
What is the recommended weight gain in pregnancy?

To see the full practice question, including the Evidence Statements, Comments and References, click here.

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PEN^® Team Surprising Findings 

Elizabeth speaks with nutrition students across Canada about how the PEN System is essential to their dietetic training. Here's what Elizabeth has to say about students' experience with the PEN System:.

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