Diabetes Mellitus
Manual of Clinical Nutrition Management III- 26 Copyright © 2013 Compass Group, Inc.
Intake of food and fluid: Ingestion of carbohydrate, especially if the blood glucose level is less than 100
mg/dL, is important during acute illness (1). In adults, ingestion of approximately 150 to 200 g carbohydrate
daily (at least 50 g, or three to four carbohydrate choices, every 3 to 4 hours) should be sufficient, along with
medication adjustments to keep glucose in the goal range, prevent hypoglycemia, and prevent starvation
ketosis (1). (See “Carbohydrate Replacement for Acute Illness, Missed Meals, or Delayed Meals” in Section IC:
“Medical Nutrition Therapy for Diabetes Mellitus”.) Adequate intake of fluids is also very important.
Electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium, may be lost after vomiting, diarrhea, and diaphoresis. Salty
liquids, such as soup and broth, can replenish sodium. Fruit juices, milk, yogurt, ice cream, and cream soups
(made with milk) can supply potassium. Caffeinated beverages should be avoided, as these can worsen
dehydration.
References
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes-2013. Diabetes Care. 2013;36(suppl 1):11S-66S.
- American Diabetes Association. Hyperglycemic crises in diabetes: position statement. Diabetes Care. 2004: 27(suppl 1):S94-S102.
- Type 2 Diabetes. In: Nutrition Care Manual; Updated annually. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Available at:
http://www.http://nutritioncaremanual.org. Accessed February 5, 2013.