From the Guidelines
Dietary Guidelines for Managing Diabetes Mellitus (DM): The recommended daily intake for managing DM includes carbohydrates from nutrient-dense, high-fiber sources (at least 14 g fiber per 1,000 kcal) 1, with an emphasis on foods higher in fiber and lower in glycemic load, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and dairy products 1. There is no specific recommended daily intake of cholesterol, but it is advised to follow the same guidelines as the general population 1. For saturated fats, the recommendation is also the same as for the general population, with an emphasis on substituting foods higher in unsaturated fat for those higher in trans or saturated fat 1.
- Key Recommendations:
- Emphasize minimally processed, nutrient-dense, high-fiber sources of carbohydrate
- Limit sodium consumption to <2,300 mg/day
- Choose leaner protein sources and meat alternatives
- Select foods higher in unsaturated fat
- Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages and minimize consumption of foods with added sugar
- Omega-3 Supplementation: It is recommended to increase foods containing long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) from fatty fish, with a goal of eating fish at least two times (two servings) per week, rather than taking supplements 1.
- Individualized Meal Planning: An individualized meal plan, preferably provided by a registered dietitian, is recommended for all people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes mellitus, taking into account nutrient quality, total calories, and metabolic goals 1.
From the Research
Dietary Guidelines for Managing Diabetes Mellitus
The dietary guidelines for managing Diabetes Mellitus (DM) include specified daily intakes of carbohydrates, cholesterol, and saturated fats. The recommended daily intake is as follows:
- Carbohydrates: 55 to 60 per cent of total calories 2, or 40-50% carbohydrates as suggested by the Mediterranean Diet 3
- Cholesterol: less than 300 mg per day 2
- Saturated fats: less than 10 per cent of calories 2, or less than 7% saturated fats as suggested by the Mediterranean Diet 3
- Fiber: at least 14 g of fiber for every 1000 kcal consumed 3, or a goal of 40 g of soluble fiber intake per day as recommended by the American Diabetes Association 2
- Sodium: less than 2300 mg per day 3
Omega-3 Supplementation
The recommended weekly omega-3 supplementation through fish is:
- Fatty fish and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids should be included in the diet twice a week, as prescribed for the general population 4
- Omega-3 administration may be advisable in insulin-dependent diabetics with increased cardiovascular risk factors 5
- However, current evidence does not support the use of omega-3 supplementation in people with diabetes for the purpose of preventing or treating cardiovascular events 4, 6
Key Considerations
- The dietary treatment of diabetes is likely to be more successful if physicians learn more about its essential features and pay it greater attention 2
- Individuality is necessary when it comes to dietary prescriptions, and the Mediterranean Diet may be of greater interest for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) 3