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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The Indian Health Service continues to work closely with our tribal partners to coordinate a comprehensive public health response to COVID-19. Read the latest info.

Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention (DDTP)

Diabetes Standards of Care & Clinical Practice Resources

Nutrition

Healthy eating is an essential component of managing diabetes. All individuals with prediabetes or diabetes should receive nutrition education that considers access to nutritious foods, as well as personal and cultural preferences.

Health care team members are encouraged to provide basic nutrition education. Whenever possible, patients should be referred to a registered dietitian (RD) for individualized medical nutrition therapy (MNT).

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Diabetes Standards of Care
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Nutrition Sections

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Section 1 – Clinical Practice Recommendations: Nutrition
Section 2 – Clinician and Educator Resources: Nutrition
Section 3 – Patient Education Resources: Nutrition

Clinical Practice Recommendations

Recommendations for Nutrition

It is recommended that patients receive basic nutrition education that supports healthful eating patterns, focusing on a variety of foods in appropriate amounts. Consider using My Native Plate to engage discussion about eating practices such as food choices, meal preparations, and portions.

Provide basic nutrition education to all patients with diabetes or prediabetes:
- at diagnosis
- then annually
- more often as needed
Refer patients to an RD, whenever possible, for MNT for diabetes and other health conditions that need individualized nutrition recommendations (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia, kidney disease).
- at diagnosis
- then annually
- more often as needed
Assess a patient’s access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious foods. Screen for food insecurity using the Food Insecurity Assessment Tool and Resource List [PDF – 230 KB].