Goals of Medical Nutrition Therapy for Diabetes
by American Diabetes Association -
October 17, 2009
Goals of medical nutrition therapy that apply to all persons with diabetes are as follows:
- Attain and maintain optimal metabolic outcomes including
- Blood glucose levels in the normal range or as close to normal as is safely possible to prevent or reduce the risk for complications of diabetes.
- A lipid and lipoprotein profile that reduces the risk for macrovascular disease.
- Blood pressure levels that reduce the risk for vascular disease.
- Prevent and treat the chronic complications of diabetes. Modify nutrient intake and lifestyle as appropriate for the prevention and treatment of obesity, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and nephropathy.
- Improve health through healthy food choices and physical activity.
- Address individual nutritional needs taking into consideration personal and cultural preferences and lifestyle while respecting the individual’s wishes and willingness to change.
Goals of medical nutrition therapy that apply to specific situations include the following:
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For youth with type 1 diabetes, to provide adequate energy to ensure normal growth and development, integrate insulin regimens into usual eating and physical activity habits.
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For youth with type 2 diabetes, to facilitate changes in eating and physical activity habits that reduce insulin resistance and improve metabolic status.
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For pregnant and lactating women, to provide adequate energy and nutrients needed for optimal outcomes.
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For older adults, to provide for the nutritional and psychosocial needs of an aging individual.
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For individuals treated with insulin or insulin secretagogues, to provide self-management education for treatment (and prevention) of hypoglycemia, acute illnesses, and exercise-related blood glucose problems.
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For individuals at risk for diabetes, to decrease risk by encouraging physical activity and promoting food choices that facilitate moderate weight loss or at least prevent weight gain.
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