MNT & Diabetes

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on key terms and concepts related to Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and diabetes management.

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)

A structured approach to dietary management for individuals with diabetes, aiming to promote healthful eating patterns.

A1C

A measure of average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3 months; key for evaluating diabetes control.

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)

A structured approach that helps individuals with diabetes develop skills and confidence to manage their condition effectively.

Individualized Nutrition Approach

Tailoring dietary recommendations based on personal and cultural preferences, health literacy, readiness for change, and access to healthy foods.

Healthy Eating & Nutrition

Understanding carbohydrates, portion sizes, and meal timing to manage diabetes effectively.

Low-Carbohydrate Diet

A dietary pattern that reduces carbohydrate intake to 26–45% of total calories, often used for glycemic control.

DASH Diet

A dietary plan designed to lower blood pressure, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy.

Intermittent Fasting

A time-based eating approach focused on when to eat rather than what to eat, often used for weight management.

Very Low-Carbohydrate Diet (VLC)

A dietary approach that limits carbohydrates to <26% of total calories, inducing nutritional ketosis.

Alcohol Moderation

Recommendations for alcohol consumption to minimize hypoglycemia risk and maintain diabetes control.

Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals that are crucial for health; supplementation is generally not recommended unless a deficiency is present.

Fiber-Rich Foods

Foods high in dietary fiber that are beneficial for digestive health and glycemic control.

Saturated and Unsaturated Fats

Types of dietary fats; replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats is recommended for reducing cardiovascular risk.

Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD)

A complication of diabetes affecting kidney function, for which dietary protein intake should not be overly restricted.

Diabetic Gastroparesis

A condition where the stomach takes too long to empty food, often requiring dietary modifications for management.

Sweeteners

Substitutes for sugar that may help manage carbohydrate intake, alongside considerations for their effects on health.

Weight Loss Therapy

Strategies aimed at achieving a healthy weight for better health outcomes in diabetes management.

Customized Eating Plans

Dietary strategies designed to meet needs and preferences, crucial for weight loss management.

Primary goals of Medical Nutrition Therapy for diabetes.

Promote healthful eating patterns, improve A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol, maintain healthy weight, and prevent complications.

What is DSMES in diabetes care?

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support – an evidence-based program to empower individuals to manage diabetes effectively.

Name three key components of DSMES.

Healthy eating & nutrition, physical activity, blood glucose monitoring.

Benefits of the Mediterranean diet for diabetes.

Reduces diabetes risk, lowers A1C and triglycerides, and reduces cardiovascular events.

A low-carbohydrate diet.

26–45% of total calories from carbs, includes low-carb vegetables, protein, healthy fats; avoids starches and added sugars.

Why is individualized nutrition important in diabetes care?

It considers personal and cultural preferences, health literacy, readiness for change, and access to healthy food.

Alcohol consumption in people with diabetes.

Moderate intake, with food, monitor glucose closely to avoid hypoglycemia.

How does Medical Nutrition Therapy help manage CVD in people with diabetes?

Reduces LDL-C, improves blood glucose and triglycerides, promotes intake of unsaturated fats and omega-3s.

Protein recommendation for people with diabetic kidney disease.

0.8–1.5 g/kg/day unless otherwise indicated; avoid excessive restriction to prevent malnutrition.

Carbohydrate counting

Helps match insulin doses to food intake, improving glycemic control and dietary flexibility.

What are the six components of DSMES?

Healthy eating, physical activity, blood glucose monitoring, medication management, problem-solving/coping, ongoing support.

a Very Low-Carbohydrate diet

<26% of total calories from carbs (20–50g/day), induces ketosis, high in fats and protein.

Which diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy with low sodium?

DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).

Benefits of intermittent fasting for people with prediabetes.

Improved insulin sensitivity, β-cell responsiveness, lower blood pressure and oxidative stress.

Safety concern of intermittent fasting in diabetes.

Risk of hypoglycemia, especially in those on insulin or medications.

Main goal of weight loss therapy in type 2 diabetes.

Improve glycemia, reduce CVD risk, and enhance quality of life.

≥15% weight loss.

Percentage of weight loss is associated with optimal outcomes in type 2 diabetes.

What diet is helpful in prediabetes at a healthy weight.

Mediterranean-style diet + exercise.

Energy deficit in weight loss therapy.

Most important factor for sustainable weight loss, regardless of macronutrient composition.

86% remission.

Remission was observed in the DiRECT trial after ≥15% weight loss.

Double diabetes.

When individuals with type 1 diabetes also develop insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes traits due to obesity.

Effects of sugar-sweetened beverages on diabetes risk.

Increase risk by 13–26% depending on frequency and type.

Which sugar substitutes are FDA-approved?

Saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, stevia, monk fruit, etc.

Main limitation of sugar substitutes.

May not reduce cardiometabolic risk or body weight long-term.

Why should sugar alcohols be used with caution?

Can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea in large amounts.

How does alcohol increase the risk of hypoglycemia?

Inhibits gluconeogenesis and impairs counterregulatory response.

Practical alcohol intake limits for people with diabetes.

≤1 drink/day for women, ≤2 drinks/day for men.

Multivitamin use in diabetes

Not routinely recommended unless a deficiency is identified.

People on long-term metformin therapy.

Annual vitamin B12 testing due to deficiency risk.

Why is chromium supplementation not recommended?

Lack of conclusive evidence for glycemic or lipid improvement.

Impact of high-protein, high-fat meals on insulin dosing.

Delays glucose absorption, may need extended insulin dosing.

Recommended for fixed insulin users.

Consistent carb intake in timing and amount.

Primary benefit of carbohydrate counting

Improves flexibility and control in insulin therapy.

What dietary fat should replace saturated fats to lower LDL-C?

Unsaturated fats

fatty fish be consumed for omega-3 benefits.

At least twice per week.

Sodium intake limit for people with diabetes.

<2,300 mg/day.

Why is excessive protein restriction not recommended in DKD?

Risk of malnutrition and no significant benefit in GFR decline.

Diet to manage diabetic gastroparesis.

Small, frequent meals; low fiber; blended/soft foods; glucose control.

Why is soy protein sometimes recommended in DKD?

May improve CVD risk factors, though impact on proteinuria is minimal.