Answer:
The nutrition therapy goals for the individual with diabetes have evolved and have become more flexible and patient centered. The goals from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2019 include the following: (2)
1.
To promote and support healthful eating patterns, emphasizing a variety of nutrient dense foods in appropriate portion sizes in order to improve overall health and:
➢
Achieve and maintain body weight goals
➢
Attain individualized glycemic, blood pressure, and lipid goals
➢
Delay or prevent complications of diabetes
2.
To address individual nutrition needs based on personal and cultural preferences, health literacy and numeracy, access to healthful food choices, willingness and ability to make behavioral changes, as well as barriers to change
3.
To maintain the pleasure of eating by providing nonjudgmental messages about food choices
4.
To provide an individual with diabetes the practical tools for day-to-day meal planning rather than focusing on individual macronutrients, micronutrients or single foods
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) guidelines have similar goals for people with type 2 diabetes. (3)
