The evidence for medical nutrition therapy for type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adults.

This article reviews the evidence and nutrition practice recommendations from the American Dietetic Association's nutrition practice guidelines for type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adults. The research literature was reviewed to answer nutrition practice questions and resulted in 29 recommendations. Here, we present the recommendations and provide a comprehensive and systematic review of the evidence associated with their development.

Role of food and nutrition professionals in stemming the diabetes epidemic.

Food and nutrition professionals can play a major role in reversing the diabetes epidemic by helping patients reduce their risk for diabetes and prevent its onset. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) clinical trial, spearheaded by the National Institutes of Health, has provided the research-based evidence needed to demonstrate that type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented through a 5% to 7% weight loss and regular physical activity, such as 150 minutes a week of brisk walking. The National Diabetes Education Program, through its "Small Steps.

Diabetes prevention. A GAMEPLAN for success.

Diabetes prevalence is growing at epidemic proportions, and the greatest increase in number of cases is anticipated to be among older adults. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) showed that diabetes can be prevented or delayed among people with pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, or both). The National Diabetes Education Program has developed tools adapted from the DPP that primary care providers can use to counsel middle-age and older patients on diabetes prevention.

Implementing the American Diabetes Association's nutrition recommendations.

Evidence-based "Nutrition Principles and Recommendations for the Treatment and Prevention of Diabetes and Related Complications" outline the goals of medical nutrition therapy for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Those goals are (1) to attain and maintain optimal metabolic outcomes, (2) to prevent and treat the chronic complications of diabetes, (3) to improve health through healthy food choices and through physical activity, and (4) to address individual patient nutritional needs. Discussion focuses on moderate caloric restriction and an increase in physical activity.