Medical Nutrition Therapy is an essential component of care for all persons with diabetes. The development of standards helps to define goals, objectives and strategies based on the evidence. The purpose of evidence-based recommendations is to improve diabetes care by increasing the awareness of clinicians and persons with diabetes about beneficial therapies. Medical Nutrition Therapy can then be appropriately implemented in diverse settings to facilitate improvement in health outcomes. 

Data that provide both A and B level evidence were used to develop the 2002 Nutrition Recommendations. Recommendations are included for patients with all types of diabetes and across the lifespan. Areas for future research are identified as well.

Application of these recommendations includes strategies to personalize recommendations for each patient based on their goals, lifestyle, culture and food preferences. Both metabolic and quality of life outcomes need to be monitored to assess the need for changes in therapy. In addition, ongoing nutrition self-management education and care needs to be available for individuals with diabetes.