Discussion on Women’s Interprofessional Network of the ADA (WIN ADA)—Amplifying Women’s Voices in the Diabetes Workforce—A Panel Discussion
Saturday, June 24, at 11:30 a.m. PT
Room 30
San Diego Convention Center
(Livestream Available)
Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes, MS, RDN, CDCES, LDN, CPT
Owner/Manager,
360Girls&Women LLC
What is your presentation about?
I will present a Registered Dietitian’s (RD) view on amplifying women’s voices in the diabetes workforce. Medical Nutrition Therapy — provided only by RDs — is a known effective tool to help manage all forms of diabetes, put type 2 diabetes into remission, and dramatically control gestational diabetes. With the field being comprised of over 90% women, it is important to discuss nuances and dynamics of the profession as it relates to women professionals and women patients.
What makes this topic important in 2023?
Women are uniquely impacted by diabetes and other chronic conditions — they are at risk for more severe complications from diabetes than men, and gestational diabetes is on the rise (over 30% between 2016 and 2020). Dietitians, mostly women, can have a significant positive impact on this population but also face challenges of their own in the profession.
How did you become involved with this area of diabetes research or care?
As a dietetic intern, I always had a curiosity for women’s health and diabetes. My passion grew over the years, when working at Joslin Diabetes Center pregnancy clinic, and in publishing research. I realized that I had a special calling for this field. I started my private practice 360Girls&Women, a holistic health and wellness company for girls and women, to fill the need of these girls and women, particularly women of color.
How do you think your presentation will impact diabetes research or care?
Increased awareness of the impact of type 2 diabetes, the cycle of type 2 diabetes introduced by gestational diabetes, and the effectiveness of dietitians in preventing, managing and reversing these conditions should spur research into finding more ways to support medical nutrition therapy. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes are similar to the risk factors for gestational diabetes. It is my hope that research dollars can be invested in methods to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and thus type 2 diabetes in both mother and offspring. Research should also be directed toward policies and practices that would allow nutrition therapy to be more accessible, with consideration of the unique circumstances faced by those in the dietetic profession, the majority of whom are women.
What are you most looking forward to at the 83rd Scientific Sessions?
I am looking forward to learning cutting-edge diabetes research, understanding the gaps in research, attaining new inspiration in the field of nutrition and diabetes, and connecting with my peers.