What is Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for diabetes? How can diabetes be improved and what are the ways to manage blood sugar levels through dietary approach?
Table of Contents
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is an essential part of diabetes management. It is a personalized nutritional prescription developed based on the medical condition, lifestyle, and individual factors of patients with diabetes. Unlike popular diabetes diets, MNT is an evidence-based therapy that manages blood glucose levels and reduces the risk of complications using scientific research and clinical expertise.
Patients with diabetes or prediabetes should consult a dietitian. A personalized dietary plan is meticulously crafted by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical condition, nutritional profile, and, notably, a detailed assessment of their dietary habits and lifestyle.
Dietitians take into account the patient’s health objectives, culinary preferences, and daily routines to enable them to seamlessly integrate dietary management into their lives. This tailored dietary regimen not only aids in blood sugar regulation but also serves to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, facilitate weight management, and proactively prevent potential complications.
Key aspects of medical nutrition therapy for diabetes include:
1. Timing and Portion Control
Diabetic patients should focus on balanced meals, having three regular meals at fixed times, and consuming unprocessed foods while avoiding processed products. This approach stabilizes blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of complications.
2. Controlling Total Caloric Intake
The dietary plan is adjusted based on the patient’s weight. Weight management is a significant consideration when prescribing diets for patients with diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended that patients with diabetes control their total caloric intake and increase physical activity to manage weight.
3. Carbohydrate Intake Control
Sugars and starches are broken down into blood glucose during digestion. Therefore, patients with diabetes need to control their total carbohydrate intake to manage blood sugar levels. It is advisable for patients to choose complex carbohydrates like whole wheat bread, brown rice, and whole grains while avoiding high-sugar foods and beverages.
4. Protein Intake Control
Patients with diabetes need to control their protein intake to reduce the risk of diabetic kidney disease. Patients are advised to choose low-fat sources of protein, such as legumes, fish, poultry, and lean meat.
5. Moderate Intake of Quality Fats
Patients with diabetes should reduce their consumption of processed foods and red meat to decrease the intake of trans fats and saturated fats. It is recommended to consume more quality fats from sources like fish, nuts, and olive oil to increase the intake of healthy fatty acids.
6. Emphasis on Dietary Fiber
Dietary fiber helps diabetic patients control blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Patients are advised to select fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain foods.
Following consultation with a dietitian, patients can employ various strategies to develop a diabetes-specific dietary plan aimed at maintaining blood sugar levels within the healthy range. Throughout this journey, patients are encouraged to maintain a close and collaborative relationship with the dietitian to determine the most effective approach for blood sugar control. Patients may also need to consider managing diabetes and high blood pressure, as these conditions often go hand in hand. By working closely with a dietitian, individuals can learn how to make dietary choices that not only help regulate blood sugar levels but also support overall heart health. By focusing on a balanced and nutritious diet, patients can improve their overall well-being and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes and high blood pressure.
