Discussion
All people with diabetes should be provided with quality professional education on
medical nutrition therapy upon diagnosis, and at regular intervals thereafter. For
children and adolescent patients with type 1 diabetes, the challenge is to maintain
good glycaemic control while providing adequate energy for growth and development.
Modification in dietary advice is required, depending on developmental stage. In
type 2 diabetes, the initial challenge is to achieve weight loss of 5–10% body weight,
normalise blood glucose and reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Specific strategies
include a kilojoule controlled diet with reduced saturated fat, trans fat and sodium;
moderate protein; and high in dietary fibre and low glycaemic index carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates should be spread evenly throughout the day and matched to medication.