Building Competency in Diabetes Education THE ESSENTIALS

5-10 | CHAPTER 5

ENERGY

A diet should provide appropriate energy to achieve or maintain a healthy and realistic body weight and to support growth in children and pregnant/lactating women. Energy is derived from the carbohydrate, protein and fat content of food, and from ethanol in alcoholic beverages. Below is the energy value of alcohol and each nutrient. • Carbohydrate: 17 kJ (4 kcal) per g • Protein: 17 kJ (4 kcal) per g • Fat: 38 kJ (9 kcal) per g • Alcohol: 29 kJ (7 kcal) per g Although numerous studies have attempted to identify the ideal macronutrient distribution for someone with diabetes, it is unlikely that one specific combination exists (21,22). The best combination of carbohydrate, protein and fat seems to vary depending on individual situations. Studies have shown that long-term improvements in glycemic control are related to the degree of energy reduction and not the variation in macronutrient composition of the diet (23,24).