Are patients with diabetes receiving the same message from dietitians and nurses?
The purpose of this study was to determine if registered dietitian (RD) and registered nurse (RN) certified diabetes educators (CDEs) provide similar recommendations regarding carbohydrates and dietary supplements to individuals with diabetes.



A survey was mailed to CDEs in the southern United States. Participants were asked to indicate their recommendations for use of carbohydrates, fiber, artificial sweeteners, and 12 selected dietary and herbal supplements when counseling individuals with diabetes.



The survey sample consisted of 366 CDEs: 207 were RNs and 159 were RDs. No statistically significant differences were found between RNs and RDs in typical carbohydrate recommendations for treatment of diabetes. However, RDs were more likely than RNs to make recommendations for fiber intake or use of the glycemic index. A significant difference also was found in the treatment of hypoglycemia: RNs were more likely than RDs to recommend consuming a carbohydrate source with protein to treat hypoglycemia.



Although some differences existed, RD and RN CDEs are making similar overall recommendations in the treatment of individuals with diabetes.
Venters
Jennifer Y
JY
ARK-LA-MISS Diabetes Management Center, West Monroe, Louisiana
Hunt
Alice E
AE
College of Applied and Natural Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana
Pope
Janet F
JF
College of Applied and Natural Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana
Molaison
Elaine F
EF
College of Applied and Natural Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana
D002568:Certification; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D003927:Diet, Diabetic / Q000592:standards*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004046:Dietetics / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012648:Self Care / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013549:Sweetening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014481:United States
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D013549:Sweetening Agents