The Effect of Nutrition Therapy on Glycemic Control, Body Weight Management and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Profile

Abstract

The epidemic of diabetes is a growing prevalence globally. Medical nutrition therapy has a complementary role in the management of diabetes and contributes to metabolic control in individuals who are followed up with appropriate nutritional therapy after diagnosis. Weight loss of 5% to 10% is a realistic goal for improving glycemic and metabolic control in people with diabetes. Nutritional recommendations provide a positive effect on the improvement of glycemic control and other metabolic outcomes. Clinical trials also provide evidence for the effectiveness of nutritional therapy in the prevention of diabetes. The purpose of this review is to appraise the effects of nutritional therapy and different dietary approaches on glycemic control, body weight management, and cardiovascular disease risk profile.