Nutrition and the Older Diabetic

Diabetes mellitus is among the most common and complex chronic diseases that affect approximately 20 million individuals in the United States. An additional 26% of the population has impaired fasting glucose, making diabetes an epidemic. MNT in diabetes addresses not only glycemic control but also other aspects of metabolic status, including hypertension and dyslipidemia, which are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. MNT is an integral component of diabetes management, which includes the process and system through which nutritional care and specific life style recommendations are provided to diabetic individuals. Cultural and ethnic preferences are taken into account and patients are involved in the decision-making process.