Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

What is a true statement regarding low carbohydrate diets according to recent nutrition therapy recommendations?

1. They consistently raise LDL and triglycerides in patients.

2. The glycemic effects are mixed and conclusions regarding A1c cannot be drawn.

3. They are the safest option for patients with renal disease.

4. Retention rates for low carb diets are low.

The correct answer is: The glycemic effects are mixed and conclusions regarding A1c cannot be drawn.

The statement that aligns with recent nutrition therapy recommendations regarding low carbohydrate diets is that the glycemic effects are mixed and conclusions regarding A1c cannot be drawn. This reflects the complexities and individual variations seen in how different patients respond to low carbohydrate diets. Research indicates that while low carbohydrate diets can benefit some individuals by improving glycemic control and reducing A1c levels, others may not experience the same positive effects. Different factors such as individual metabolic responses, duration of adherence to the diet, and overall dietary composition all play critical roles in these mixed outcomes. Therefore, it's important to approach conclusions about the impact of low carbohydrate diets on A1c with caution, recognizing that the responses can vary widely among individuals. The other statements do not reflect the nuanced understanding present in the latest guidelines. Some data suggests that low-carb diets can lead to an increase in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, but this is not universally the case for all patients. Moreover, low carbohydrate diets are not necessarily the safest option for those with renal disease, as protein intake and overall diet quality must be carefully considered. Lastly, retention rates for low carb diets tend to be low, but this wouldn't directly relate to the immediate glycemic impact implied in the correct answer's context.