Nutrition and diabetes: a review of current recommendations (continuing education credit).

Abstract

Nutrition has long been described as the cornerstone of diabetes management. Important goals of nutrition therapy are to restore normal blood glucose and lipid levels, prevent complications, promote growth in children and weight maintenance in adults, and develop an individualized meal plan. Calorie content, and the distribution of carbohydrate, protein, and fat in the diet need to be individualized. Illness, exercise, and hypoglycemia may require special modification in food intake. Whenformulating a diet prescription, the dietitian needs to consider calorie needs, current eating habits, diabetes management goals, and medication schedule, as well as appropriate teaching materials for initial and in-depth continuing education.