08/13/01 American Dietetic Association tells Bush Medical Nutrition Therapy saves lives and money

American Dietetic Association tells Bush Medical Nutrition Therapy saves lives and money

Praises NIH diabetes study

August 13, 2001

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Dietetic Association commends the National Institutes of Health for its major new study indicating that moderate changes in diet and exercise can help prevent diabetes in at-risk adults. In a letter sent Friday, August 10, to President Bush, ADA officials said the study provides more evidence that nutrition strategies for managing conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease are needed for seniors dependent on the Medicare program for their health care.

The study reinforces ADA's longstanding position that nutrition-related health services known as medical nutrition therapy (MNT) can be effective in treatment and prevention of diabetes. Legislation passed last year and signed by President Clinton permits Medicare reimbursement for medical nutrition therapy services for seniors with kidney disease and diabetes, effective January 1, 2002.

In its letter, ADA asked President Bush for his administration's endorsement of a bill now pending in Congress that would extend the provision of MNT services under Medicare. "ADA now urges you to build on the findings of the study and support the Medicare Nutrition Therapy Amendment Act of 2001 to expand the coverage of medical nutrition therapy to include cardiovascular diseases," wrote ADA President Susan T. Borra, a Washington, D.C., registered dietitian.

"It is not often that an administration can support a bill that will save lives and money at the same time. However, that opportunity now exists," Borra said.

In addition to diabetes and kidney disease, extensive research supports the effectiveness of nutritional interventions for hypertension, dyslipidemia and heart failure. "Not only can MNT help prevent these diseases, it is less expensive than many drug therapies," Borra said. "Research indicates that MNT is three to 10 times less expensive than drug therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease."

The Medicare MNT Amendments Act of 2001 was introduced by Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.). Citing its "tremendous bipartisan support" in Congress, Borra urged the president to endorse the legislation and virtually assure its passage.

With nearly 70,000 members, the Chicago-based American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. For more information, visit ADA's Web site, http://www.eatright.org.