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Diet/Nutrition
The foundation of diabetic therapy is nutrition. Type 1 diabetics need the same amount of food that would normally be consumed if they did not have diabetes. Insulin amounts need to compliment the amount of food required to maintain a healthy weight. Type 1 diabetics should strive to be consistent in both the choice of food and the timing of meals. Individuals with Type 2 may need only dietary modification in order to control blood glucose levels (See Table 7).
Table 7: Diabetic Diet Modification (24)
Component
 |
Goal
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| Calories |
Sufficient to maintain reasonable weight |
| Protein |
10 - 20% of total caloric intake |
| Fat |
30% of total calories |
| Fiber |
20 - 35 grams per day |
| Carbohydrates |
Up to 55 - 60% of total calories (modest amount from refined sugars) |
A dietician should be consulted to assist in tailoring nutrition concerns to the diverse needs of the individual. Dietary plans should be directed toward lifestyle and health status of the individual. (3,17,24,25)
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Intervention
