Diabetes Medical Nutrition Therapy

In 2002, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) published its seventh series of recommendations since 1950. These new recommendations are divided into the goal of medical nutrition therapy that apply to all people with diabetes or goals that apply to specific situations. The general objectives that apply to all people with diabetes are:

1. Achieve and maintain optimal metabolic results, including:

a. The levels of blood glucose in normal or near normal range.

b. lipid and lipoprotein profiles that reduce the risk of macrovascular disease.

C. Blood pressure levels reduces the risk of vascular disease.

2. Preventing and treating chronic complications.

3. Improve health through healthy food choices and physical activity.

4. Address individual nutritional needs taking into account the personal and cultural preferences and lifestyle while respecting the individual will and the will to change.

Objectives that apply to specific situations are:

1. Youth with type 1 diabetes:

a. Make sure there is enough energy to ensure normal growth and development.

b. Integrate insulin regimens into usual eating and exercise habits.

2. Young people with type 2 diabetes:

a. to facilitate changes in eating habits and exercise, reduce insulin resistance and improve metabolic status.

The third pregnant and lactating women:

a. Provide enough energy and nutrients needed for optimal pregnancy outcome.

4. Older adults:

a. Enter the nutritional and psycho-social needs of the individual aging.

5. Individuals treated with insulin or insulin secretion:

a. ensure self-management education for treatment and prevention of hypoglycemia, acute illness and exercise problems with blood sugar.

6. Individuals at risk for diabetes:

a. Reduce the risk of encouraging physical activity.

b. To promote food choices that facilitate moderate weight loss or at least prevent weight gain.

Because of the complexity of nutrition issues, the ADA recommends a dietitian who is knowledgeable and competent in the application of nutrition therapy in diabetes management and education to the medical team responsible for providing therapy medical nutrition. It is also important that all members of the care team familiar with nutritional therapy and support the diabetic who needs to make these lifestyle changes important.