Controlling diabetes mellitus with diet therapy

Abstract

The effectiveness of caloric restriction and weight reduction in lowering the blood sugar level in obese diabetics has been rediscovered. The twin goals of attaining and maintaining ideal body weight and normoglycemia can be achieved through diet therapy in about 80% of patients who are intensively educated and continuously monitored by a well informed, highly motivated team of physician, dietitian, and nurse. It appears that chronic insulin therapy should be reserved for hyperglycemic individuals who are pregnant or who are at or below ideal body weight, for persons with juvenile onset diabetes who are obviously insulin-dependent, and for acutely decompensated diabetics.