Diet and Weight Management Strategies in Patients with Diabetes

Diet and physical activity are critically important in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Basic principles of nutritional management, however, are often poorly understood, both by both clinicians and their patients. Patients commonly fail to adhere to recommendations for diet and exercise, a source of ongoing frustration for clinicians in caring for their diabetic patients.

The nutrition prescription for patients with type 1 diabetes should aim to optimally manage the "ABCs" of diabetes control: A1C, blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol. The prescription must also be tailored for the individual patient to address diabetes complications and other concomitant conditions.

Dietary compliance is a major factor in achieving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. The importance of glycemic control in type 2 diabetes for reducing the likelihood of nephropathy and retinopathy has been demonstrated in the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS). Weight reduction can improve or even reverse glucose intolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Joining Dr Carlos Hamilton to discuss the importance of diet and weight management in diabetes care are Dr Eric Orzek and Dr Philip Levy, both clinical endocrinologist and specialist in the treatment of diabetes.

Related References/Reading:

1. Stonehouse AH et al. Management of Type 2 Diabetes: The Role of Incretin Mimetrics. Expert Opin Pharmacother.2006;7:2095-2105.
2. Palamara KL et al. Obesity: New Perspectives and Pharmacotherapies. Cardil Rev.2006;14:238-258.
3. Mikhail NE. Is Exenatide a useful addition to diabetes therapy? Endcr Pract.2006;12:307-314.