Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT an evidence-based recommendation for managing hypertension?

1. Weight loss for overweight or obese persons

2. Sodium reduction

3. Resistance training

4. DASH eating plan

The correct answer is: Resistance training

The correct understanding is that resistance training, while beneficial for overall health and fitness, is not specifically recognized as an evidence-based recommendation for managing hypertension in the same way that the other options are. Weight loss has been consistently shown to lower blood pressure, particularly in overweight and obese individuals, making it an essential strategy in hypertension management. Sodium reduction is recommended because excessive sodium intake can lead to increased blood pressure; thus, reducing sodium is a common guideline in dietary modification for hypertensive patients. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan is a well-established dietary approach that emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, which has been proven to effectively lower blood pressure. In contrast, while resistance training contributes to overall cardiovascular fitness and can indirectly support blood pressure management, it is not specifically categorized as a primary intervention for hypertension in the clinical guidelines. Therefore, it does not hold the same level of direct evidence-based recommendation as the other options provided.