Building Competency in Diabetes Education THE ESSENTIALS

5-36 | CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION

Meal planning is a key component of diabetes management. The general principles of nutrition are the same for people with diabetes as for those without diabetes. It is important that the DHC team work with people who have diabetes to set realistic goals to meet the patient’s nutritional, physical activity, lifestyle and medical needs. Counselling provided by a registered dietitian with expertise in diabetes management has demonstrated benefits for those with, or at risk for, diabetes. Education can be equally effective when delivered in a small group and/or individual setting (152). Nutrition therapy should be regularly evaluated and reinforced in an intensive manner (153).

Practical application exercises follow.