[Balance nutrition in the diabetic patient]

Nutrition is an integral part of the monitoring and care of diabetes. Compliance with a nutritional plan is, however, one of the most difficult goals to achieve due to the changes in lifestyle that it implies. In order to integrate nutrition effectively into the follow-up and control of diabetic patients, it is necessary to have a multidisciplinary team of professionals basically comprising a doctor specializing in Endocrinology and Nutrition, a dietician and a trainer in diabetes issues. These team members have to apply an individualized approach for each patient and provide nutritional education to enable patients to be self-sufficient. Test results (blood-glucose levels, HbA1c, lipids, blood pressure and quality of life) must be regularly assessed and, if the desired goals are not achieved, the necessary changes must be indicated for future monitoring and overall management of the condition.