Diabetes Medical Nutrition Therapy

Publication Date: May 19, 2017

Screening and Referral

Screening and Referral

  • The primary goals of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes include glycemic control as well as prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
  • Secondary goals include improvement of quality of life, optimization of medication usage, and weight management.


DM: Screening for Type 2 Diabetes

The registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), in collaboration with other members of the health care team, should ensure that all overweight or obese adults at risk are screened for type 2 diabetes. Testing to assess risk for future diabetes in asymptomatic people should be considered in adults of any age who are overweight or obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2 or ≥23 kg/m2 in Asian Americans) and who have one or more additional risk factors for diabetes. (Fair, Imperative)
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DM: Referral for MNT

The RDN, in collaboration with other members of the health care team, should ensure that all adults with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are referred for MNT. Individuals who have diabetes should receive individualized MNT to achieve treatment goals, preferably provided by a RDN familiar with the components of diabetes MNT. (Strong, Imperative)
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DM: Initial Series of MNT Encounters

The RDN should implement three to six MNT encounters during the first six months and determine if additional MNT encounters are needed. In studies reporting on the implementation of an initial series of RDN encounters (3–11; total of 2–16 hours), MNT significantly lowered HbA1c by 0.3%–2.0% in adults with type 2 diabetes and by 1.0%–1.9% in adults with type 1 diabetes during the first six months, as well as optimization of medication therapy and improved quality of life. (Strong, Imperative)
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DM: MNT Follow-Up Encounters

The RDN should implement a minimum of one annual MNT follow-up encounter. Studies longer than six months report that continued MNT encounters resulted in maintenance and continued reductions of A1C for ≤2 years in adults with type 2 diabetes, and for ≤6.5 years in adults with type 1 diabetes. (Strong, Imperative)
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Nutrition Assessment

...rition Assessment...

...sessment The RDN should assess the...


Nutrition Intervention

...on Intervention...

...ze Nutrition PrescriptionThe RDN should individu...


...ourage Healthful Eating Plan for Appropriate-We...


...rage Reduced Energy Healthful Eating P...


...alize Macronutrient CompositionThe RD...


...: Carbohydrate Management Strategies...


...dults with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes on Fixed...


...Adults with Type 2 Diabetes on MNT Alone or Non-I...


...ncourage Fiber IntakeThe RDN should encourage...


...Glycemic Index and Glycemic LoadIf glycemic ind...


...ucate on Substitution of Nutritive Sweeteners...


...se Against Excessive Intake of Nutritive Sweetener...


...ntake of FDA-Approved Non-Nutritive SweetenersT...


...cate About Substitution of FDA-Appro...


...Educate on Protein Intake and Hypoglycem...


...in Restriction for Diabetic Kidney Disease...


...f Protein and DKDThe RDN should advise adults wit...


...e Cardioprotective Eating PatternThe RDN shou...


...urage Individualized Reduction in Sodium IntakeTh...


...vise on Vitamin, Mineral and Herbal Supplement...


...vise and Educate on Alcohol ConsumptionThe RDN sho...


...urage Individualized Physical Activit...


...: Educate on Prevention and Treatment of Exer...


...: Education on Glucose MonitoringThe RDN should...


...ion of CareThe RDN should implement M...


Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation

...tion Monitoring and Evaluation...

...and Evaluate Effectiveness of MNT The RD...