Critically discuss the nutritioal management in treating type 2 Essay

Critically discuss the nutritioal management in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus - Essay Example Type 1 DM where the pancreas fails to produce sufficient amounts of insulin. In Type 2 DM, the body cells insulin response is defective. Type 2 DM is often referred to as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) since it may be treated without insulin injections. Management of diabetes involves physical exercise, pharmacotherapy and nutrition therapy. Diabetes management aims to control metabolism of the patient. Nutrition therapy refers to the modification of nutrient intake as a form of disease treatment. Nutrition therapy is individualised as no one eating pattern fits all patients (He et al., 2010). Nutrition therapy aims to promote healthful eating to attain individualised glycaemic, blood pressure and lipid goals, as well as attaining a desired body weight, which helps prevent complications of diabetes. The risk of microvascular complications is reduced by managing glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. This alongside management of blood pressure and lipid profiles also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (Jenkins et al., 2011). The prime focus of glycaemic management in medical nutrition therapy is carbohydrate intake control. Carbohydrate intake directly affects postprandial blood glucose levels and hence insulin effect. Nutritio n therapy also focuses on energy balance and hence weight control. Effective management of type 2 diabetes requires pharmacotherapy, nutrition therapy and physical activity. Energy balance is an essential aspect of nutrition therapy for patients with Type 2 diabetes. Individuals suffering from Type 2 diabetes are often overweight and obese. Weight loss is recommended to manage the disease. It has been associated with improved glycaemia, blood pressure and desired lipid profiles (Estruch et al., 2013). Nutrition therapy promotes weight loss by decreasing energy intake by the patient while maintaining healful eating patterns. Reduction of adiposity results in improvement in insulin resistance.