A healthful eating pattern, regular physical activity, and often pharmacotherapy
are key components of diabetes management. For many individuals with
diabetes, the most challenging part of the treatment plan is determining what to
eat. It is the position of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) that there is
not a “one-size-fits-all” eating pattern for individuals with diabetes. The ADA also
recognizes the integral role of nutrition therapy in overall diabetes management
and has historically recommended that each person with diabetes be actively
engaged in self-management, education, and treatment planning with his or her
health care provider, which includes the collaborative development of an
individualized eating plan (1,2). Therefore, it is important that all members of the
health care team be knowledgeable about diabetes nutrition therapy and support
its implementation.