Madelyn L. Wheeler

Nutrition recommendations and interventions for diabetes: a position statement of the American Diabetes Association.

Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is important in preventing diabetes, managing existing diabetes, and preventing, or at least slowing, the rate of development of diabetes complications. It is, therefore, important at all levels of diabetes prevention. MNT is also an integral component of diabetes self-management education (or training). This position statement provides evidence-based recommendations and interventions for diabetes MNT. The previous position statement with accompanying technical review was published in 2002 and modified slightly in 2004. This statement updates previous position statements, focuses on key references published since the year 2000, and uses grading according to the level of evidence available...

The Diabetes Education Study: A Controlled Trial of the Effects of Diabetes Patient Education

The Diabetes Education Study (DIABEDS) was a randomized, controlled trial of the effects of patient and physician education. This article describes a systematic education program for diabetes patients and its effects on patient knowledge, skills, self-care behaviors, and relevant physiologic outcomes. The original sample consisted of 532 diabetes patients from the general medicine clinic at an urban medical center. Patients were predominantly elderly, black women with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus of long duration. Patients randomly assigned to experimental groups (N = 263) were offered up to seven modules of patient education. Each content area module contained didactic instruction (lecture, discussion, audio-visual presentation), skill exercises (demonstration, practice, feedback), and behavioral modification techniques (goal setting, contracting, regular follow-up). Two hundred seventy-five patients remained in the study throughout baseline, intervention, and postintervention periods (August 1978 to July 1982). Despite the requirement that patients demonstrate mastery of educational objectives for each module, postintervention assessment 11–14 mo after instruction showed only rare differences between experimental and control patients in diabetes knowledge. However, statistically significant group differences in self-care skills and compliance behaviors were relatively more numerous. Experimental group patients experienced significantly greater reductions in fasting blood glucose (−27.5 mg/dl versus −2.8 mg/dl, P < 0.05) and glycosylated hemoglobin (−0.43% versus + 0.35%, P < 0.05) as compared with control subjects. Patient education also had similar effects on body weight, blood pressure, and serum creatinine. Continued follow-up is planned for DIABEDS patients to determine the longevity of effects and subsequent impact on emergency room visits and hospitalization.

Macronutrients, Food Groups, and Eating Patterns in the Management of Diabetes A systematic review of the literature, 2010

The effectiveness of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) in the management of diabetes has been well established (1). Previous reviews have provided comprehensive recommendations for MNT in the management of diabetes (2,3). The goals of MNT are to 1 ) attain and maintain optimal blood glucose levels, a lipid and lipoprotein profile that reduces the risk of macrovascular disease, and blood pressure levels that reduce the risk for vascular disease; 2 ) prevent and treat the chronic complications of diabetes by modifying nutrient intake and lifestyle; 3 ) address individual nutrition needs, taking into account personal and cultural preferences and willingness to change; and 4 ) maintain the pleasure of eating by only limiting food choices when indicated by scientific evidence (4). The literature on nutrition as it relates to diabetes management is vast. We undertook the specific topic of the role of macronutrients, eating patterns, and individual foods in response to continued controversy over independent contributions of specific foods and macronutrients, independent of weight loss, in the management of diabetes. The position of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) on MNT is that each person with diabetes should receive an individualized eating plan (4). ADA has received numerous criticisms because it does not recommend one specific mix of macronutrients for everyone with diabetes. The previous literature review conducted by ADA in 2001 supported the idea that there was not one ideal macronutrient distribution for all people with diabetes. This review focuses on literature that has been published since that 2001 date (5). This systematic review will be one source of information considered when updating the current ADA Nutrition Position Statement (4). Other systematic reviews and key research studies that may not be included in this review will also be considered. When attempting to tease out the role of macronutrients from other dietary …

American diabetes association position statement: evidence-based nutrition principles and recommendations for the treatment and prevention of diabetes and related complications

Medical nutrition therapy for people with diabetes should be individualized, with consideration given to the individuals usual food and eating habits, metabolic profile, treatment goals and desired outcomes. Monitoring of metabolic parameters, including glucose, HbA1c, lipids, blood pressure, body weight, and renal function, when appropriate, as well as quality of life is essential to assess the need for changes in therapy and ensure successful outcomes. Ongoing nutrition self-management education and care needs to be available for individuals with diabetes. Additionally many areas of nutrition and diabetes require additional research.

Evaluation of Computer-based Diet Education in Persons with Diabetes Mellitus and Limited Educational Background

A study was conducted to determine whether computer-based techniques for meal planning and diet education could be an effective supplement to diabetes diet counseling in a group of inner-city subjects with limited educational background. Sixteen individuals with diabetes mellitus who were newly referred to an inner-city outpatient diet clinic and who demonstrated ninth-grade reading ability were given computer-based nutritional education. They received meal planning information through use of individualized computer-planned menus and education about the diabetes diet by computer-assisted instruction (CAI) combined with an interactive videodisc system (VIDEO). Total contact time was 180 min of CAI/VIDEO, 50 min of dietitian/patient education, and 20 min of dietitian/patient computer time (the last function could have been performed by a clerk). At the end of 4 wk, the group performance was improved in Exchange Lists knowledge (P < 0.001), recognition of foods containing concentrated carbohydrate (P < 0.05), and reduction of reported fat intake (P < 0.05). In addition, average group weight declined by 4.6 lb (P < 0.005). No improvement was found in food-measuring skills or in calorie-consumption compliance during a standardized buffet lunch. It appears that computer-based techniques are an acceptable supplement to traditional methods of education in this patient group and can improve the effectiveness of diabetes education programs without a significant increase in dietitian time.

Macronutrient and Energy Database for the 1995 Exchange Lists for Meal Planning: A Rationale for Clinical Practice Decisions

For more than 50 years the exchange lists have been one method of meal planning for persons with diabetes as well as for those on weight-loss regimens. Little research has been conducted, however, concerning the methodologic basis of the system or its clinical effectiveness. Justification for specific food inclusions and general food groupings for the 1995 revision of the Exchange Lists for Meal Planning is provided by a database of foods and associated energy and macronutrient values. The mean energy and macronutrient values for each of the lists and sublists (starch, fruit, milk, and vegetables from the carbohydrate group; the meat and meal substitutes group, and the fat group) closely match the mean exchange values; however, the standard deviation and range are large. Interpretation of the database provides a rationale and guidance for decision making in clinical practice when using exchanges for meal planning, recipe, and food label calculations.

Fat Replacers: Their Use In Foods and Role in Diabetes Medical Nutrition Therapy

The scientific literature demonstrates that fat replacers have a reasonable certainty of no harm. Whether they help produce desired health outcomes, i.e., decreased risk of coronary heart disease and certain types of cancer related to excess fat intake, weight reduction, changes in lipid profile, improved glycemic control, etc., depends on how individuals use these foods to change food choices and eating behaviors. As Miller and Rolls conclude, ...the use of fat-replaced foods alone should not be expected to produce spontaneous improvements in weight management. Such improvements will still be dependent on long-term behavioral changes that include not only modifications in fat, but also modifications in overall energy intake and increase in energy expenditure. (53) Though it has not been studied, one may conjecture that encouraging people with diabetes to use foods with fat replacers to achieve nutrition management goals requires sufficient education, continuous counseling, and an individuals conscientious commitment and readiness to change food habits.

Metabolic Response to Oral Challenge of Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate Versus Glucose In Diabetes

Our objective was to determine whether 1) hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSHs), bulking/sweetening agents used in hard candies, produce a diminished postmeal glycemic response relative to glucose in individuals with and without diabetes and 2) any diminished glycemia is secondary to altered carbohydrate absorption. This study followed a randomized double-blind crossover design and was performed in 12 individuals with diabetes (6 non-insulin dependent, 6 insulin dependent) and 6 nondiabetic individuals. Each group consisted of 3 men and 3 women, none with known neuropathy. After an overnight fast, each subject was challenged with 50 g of glucose, HSH 5875 (7% sorbitol/60% maltitol), and HSH 6075 (14% sorbitol/78% hydrogenated maltooligosaccharides)/1.73 m2 of body surface area in random order on 3 successive days. Individuals with diabetes were maintained on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion throughout the study to achieve prechallenge glucose levels between 4.5 and 6.7 mM. For all groups, the order of plasma glucose responses over 5 h postchallenge was glucose>HSH 6075>HSH 5875, P < 0.001 (glucose vs. HSH). Pooled data for all groups for areas under the curve confirmed that HSH 6075 resulted in greater glycemia than HSH 5875 (P < 0.05). This was reflected in the order of C-peptide responses seen in the nondiabetic and non-insulindependent groups (glucose>HSH 6075>HSH 5875, P < 0.001). Breath H2 after glucose was low, whereas HSH 5875 > HSH 6075 (P = 0.003). Gastric distress was noticed with all products. HSH ingestion as a single carbohydrate ingredient results in decreased glycemia relative to glucose in individuals with and without diabetes. Decreased glycemia results from altered small intestinal carbohydrate absorption. HSH as a single ingredient appears to be a suitable product for consumption by individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Nutrition management of type 2 diabetes by primary care physicians

A survey was mailed to a probability sample of primary care physicians in Indiana to assess their use of and barriers to nutritional therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes. Most (62%) primary care physicians reported referring their type 2 diabetes patients for nutrition counseling, while 38% reported providing counseling themselves. Patient-centered barriers were most frequently cited as reasons for poor effectiveness of nutrition therapy. This differs from previous research that cites system-level factors as barriers.

Controlled Portions of Presweetened Cereals Present no Glycemic Penalty in Persons with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE To determine metabolic responses to commercially sweetened flaked corn cereal, unsweetened flaked corn cereal, glucose, and sucrose in teenagers and young adults with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). DESIGN A crossover design in which each subject consumed test meals in random order on 4 separate days at least 72 hours apart. SETTING The inpatient setting of the General Clinical Research Center of the Indiana University Medical Center Hospital. SUBJECTS Sixteen males and eight females, aged 14 to 25 years, with IDDM. INTERVENTIONS After fasting overnight, each subject underwent challenge tests with 50 g carbohydrate per 1.73 m2 of body surface area from sweetened flaked corn cereal, unsweetened flaked corn cereal, sucrose, and glucose. All subjects were maintained on continuous intravenous infusion of insulin overnight (euglycemic goal = 3.9 to 6.7 mmol/L), with a constant basal insulin dose infused before and throughout a 3-hour postprandial period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Plasma glucose, free insulin, triglycerides, and free fatty acid levels measured at baseline and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes after meals. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED Comparisons among the four meals were made using two-way repeated measures analyses of variance followed by the Newman-Keuls multiple comparison procedure to identify specific differences among meals. The areas under the response curves were compared using one-way repeated measures analysis of covariance, adjusted for baseline values. RESULTS The response to glucose for the area under the 3-hour blood glucose response curve was significantly greater than the response to sucrose (P = .006 by repeated measures analysis of variance); the areas for the two cereals (not significantly different from one another) were between the glucose and sucrose areas. At 3 hours, glycemia differed significantly among three of the meals: unsweetened flaked corn cereal > sweetened flaked corn cereal > sucrose (P < .001). Glucose at 3 hours was greater than sucrose (P < .001). There were no significant differences for free insulin, triglycerides, or free fatty acids. APPLICATIONS Equivalent gram amounts of carbohydrate as presweetened breakfast cereals are not detrimental to persons with IDDM compared with unsweetened cereals. Therefore, presweetened cereals can be used in the correct portion sizes and based on the number of carbohydrate or starch servings in a persons diabetic meal plan.