Saudi Consensus on Medical Nutrition Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

The burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major challenge worldwide. This health problem has drawn attention, especially in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to be among the top five countries in 2030. The socioeconomic changes in KSA in recent decades resulted in changes in eating habits and lifestyle patterns. Diet is a modifiable factor that can prevent or delay the incidence of T2DM. Therefore, the relationship between diet and DM is crucial to deliver recommendations. Treatment of DM can only be effective if adequate attention is given to appropriate nutrition. Therefore, the Saudi Diabetes Clinical Practice Guidelines (SDCPG) (2021) recommended developing a nutrition therapy plan for each patient to achieve the treatment goals registered nutritionists provide for all individuals with DM. That is why a panel of 6 experts, a Saudi task force, gathered to develop an explicit, evidence-based consensus for nutrition therapy for T2DM people. An initial concept proposal was obtained. The proposal was divided into several topics discussed in September 2022. A literature review was carried out. The literature search was completed in March 2023. A drafted report was distributed to the entire panel. Approval of the recommendations required consensus, defined as a majority approval (i.e., above 80%). The recommendations were revised to accommodate any differences of opinion until a consensus was reached. Recommendations were finally formulated in June 2023. Subsequently, the panel reviewed and discussed the supporting rationale of the revised recommendations. This article presents these practical recommendations.