The authors conducted a thorough review of the research literature to distill evidence-based nutrition recommendations and practice guidelines regarding the major nutrition therapy factors - carbohydrates (intake, sucrose, non-nutritive sweeteners, glycemic index, fiber), protein intake, cardiovascular disease, and weight management. Armed with information regarding what works and why, RDs can encourage lifestyle changes and select appropriate interventions based on key recommendations that include consistency in day-to-day carbohydrate intake, adjusting insulin doses to match carbohydrate intake, substitution of sucrose-containing foods, usual protein intake, cardioprotective nutrition interventions, weight management strategies, regular physical activity, and use of self-monitored blood glucose data.

Key recommendations:

Consistency in day-to-day carbohydrate intake for persons with type 2 diabetes Adjusting insulin dose to match carbohydrate intake for persons with type 1 diabetes Focusing on total carbohydrate intake rather than the type of carbohydrate Cardio protective nutrition interventions Weight management strategies Regular physical activity Use of self glucose monitoring data to determine if goals are being met

Source: Elsevier Health Sciences