Evidence-based nutrition principles and recommendations for the treatment and prevention of diabetes and related complications

Medical nutrition therapy for people with diabetes should be individualized, with consideration given to the individual's usual food and eating habits, metabolic profile, treatment goals, and desired outcomes. Monitoring of metabolic parameters, including glucose, HbA_1c, lipids, blood pressure, body weight, and renal function, when appropriate, as well as quality of life, is essential to assess the need for changes in therapy and to ensure successful outcomes. Ongoing nutrition self-management education and care needs to be available for individuals with diabetes. In addition, many areas of nutrition and diabetes require additional research.