People with diabetes and their healthcare providers generally have a certain amount of knowledge about nutrition and the role of nutrition in diabetes. But people with pre-diabetes or diabetes should have individualized nutrition counseling with a registered dietician who is familiar with the most up-to-date findings in nutrition and diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) offers these nutrition recommendations and interventions for diabetics.
- Weight loss must be emphasized for those who are overweight or obese. And weight management must be emphasized for those who were previously overweight or obese and have lost weight.
- Attention to lifestyle behaviors is a must in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. The ADA recommends structured programs that help pre-diabetics and diabetics work on weight management, physical activity, and dietary strategies.
- People with type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent) differ from people with type 2 diabetes (insulin resistant) in their nutritional and medication needs. The strategies to improve glucose control and prevent complications will differ between the two groups. People with diabetes are individuals with a variety of needs and problems. There is not a "one-size-fits-all" program for people with diabetes.
- It's very important for patients to monitor their blood glucose when changes are made in a diet, weight, or exercise plan. These changes could neccessitate a change in the dose of medication or even the need for medication. Changes in lifestyle behaviors can lead to higher or lower blood sugar, which can be life threatening if not properly monitored and addressed.
- Aggressive steps must be taken to avoid cardiovascular disease in the person with diabetes since they are at particularly high risk for heart and vascular disease. Many people with diabetes already have high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The ADA recommends that people with diabetes receive counseling from a registered dietician regarding strategies to limit the amount of fat and cholesterol in their diet. They should also become educated about foods, such as fish, that might protect against cardiovascular disease.
- While there is a lot of publicity about vitamins and minerals in the media today, the ADA points out that there is no conclusive evidence at this point to recommend specific vitamins and minerals to people with diabetes – unless they have specific documented vitamin or mineral deficiencies or other conditions that require supplementation as recommended by their doctor. And while diabetes is thought to be a state of high oxidative stress, there is no conclusive evidence – although research is underway – about the role of antioxidants, such as vitamin E or C, or the mineral chromium, in the prevention, management, or treatment of diabetes.
People with diabetes should discuss the ADA recommendations with their doctor and with a dietician, as recommended by their doctor, in order to best inform themselves of steps they can take to improve their health.
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