Diabetes Standards of Care and Resources for Clinicians and Educators

• Provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and nutrition education at diagnosis, annually, and more often, as needed.
• Offer basic nutrition education that supports healthy eating patterns, focusing on a variety of foods in appropriate amounts. Education approaches for prediabetes or diabetes include:
  • using an individualized approach to establish weight, blood sugar, and other health goals;
  • encouraging nutrient-dense foods, sugar-free beverage choices, proper portion sizes, and balanced eating patterns to help achieve optimal health;
  • considering cultural food preferences, health literacy and numeracy, and willingness and ability to make behavioral changes. Be mindful of potential competing responsibilities and stressors which may make it challenging for people to prioritize diabetes self-care;
  • considering using a diabetes plate method to balance the amounts of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrate foods in a meal. Use My Native Plate to guide conversations about eating practices, traditional foods, meal preparation, eating schedules, and portions; and Diabetes Plate. Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
  • providing education to people about foods containing carbohydrates (carbs), including the types and amounts that are best for managing blood glucose levels. Carbs from sugars and starches can raise blood glucose more quickly and to higher levels than fats and protein do. Start the conversation about carbs using education resources, such as Carbohydrates by Color and Find the Carbohydrates on My Native Plate.
• Encourage people to monitor carb intake to help reach and maintain blood glucose goals. Provide education regarding:
  • limiting intake of refined carbs and sugar-sweetened beverages;
  • benefits of consuming a moderate and consistent intake of carbs from vegetables, legumes, fruits, dairy, and whole grains throughout the day; and
  • eating 2-4 carb servings at each meal to provide consistency and moderation.

For more on the amount of carbs and serving sizes in common foods, see Carb Choices | Diabetes | CDC. Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov