Review of dietary recommendations for diabetes mellitus.

Previous nutritional guidelines for people with diabetes focused on carbohydrate-based meal planning. Updated guidelines from Europe and North America reflect a more flexible approach to nutritional intervention. New aspects of these most recent recommendations include: (1) increased emphasis on the role of trained dietitians for educating people with diabetes; (2) greater individualization of dietary choices based on cultural, regional and personal preferences; (3) more flexibility for choosing between carbohydrate and monounsaturated fat consumption, but with limitations on intake of polyunsaturated fats (<10% of total energy); (4) broadened allowance of sucrose in the diet (up to 10% of total energy); and (5) greater recognition of physical activity as an important means to control weight and enhance general health. Expert guidelines vary regarding preferential intake of carbohydrates with lower glycemic indices.