Diabetes mellitus is a chronic health condition in which the blood glucose level is higher than normal. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, and type 2 diabetes occurs when insulin is produced but is not adequate to lower blood glucose levels or there is insulin resistance ( Edwards, 2007, p. 9). Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, foot and leg amputations, and new cases of blindness in the United States (Ignatavicius & Workman, 2010, p. 1465-66). People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin to manage glucose levels. People with type 2 diabetes are usually prescribed oral medications such as sulfonylurea agents, meglitinide analogs, or biguanides to help control glucose levels. 20 to 30% of people with type 2 diabetes also require insulin therapy (Ignatavicius & Workman, 2010, p. 1471). In addition to drug therapy, diet and weight control can help manage both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Because diabetes mellitus can cause such serious complications, it is important that people with diabetes understand the importance of certain health and lifestyle choices, such as diet and weight, to manage the disease. Patients with diabetes mellitus should pay particular attention to the amount of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and minerals included in their diet. Monitoring these dietary components, along with weight control, can help control diabetes mellitus. Diabetic Diet Carbohydrates The carbohydrates consumed by a diabetic will have the greatest effect on his or her blood glucose levels (Watts & Anselmo, 2006, p. 46). . For this reason, carbohydrates play an important role in...... middle of paper ......Sensible nutrition for people with diabetes. Practice Nurse, 33(9), 33. Retrieved from EBSCOhost database.Ignatavicius, DD & Workman, ML (2010). Medical-surgical nursing: patient-centered collaborative care. St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders Elsevier.Mann, J. (2006). Nutrition recommendations for the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome: an evidence-based review. Nutrition Reviews, 64(9), 422-427. Retrieved from EBSCOhost database.Mongin-Bulewski, C. (2011). Evidence-based nutritional guidelines for the management of diabetes. Nursing Prescribing, 9(5), 214-216. Retrieved from EBSCOhost database.Thomas, P. (2008). Give dietary advice. Nursing Practice, 19(12), 602-606. Extracted from EBSCOhost database. Watts, S. & Anselmo, J. (2006). Nutrition for diabetes: all in a day's work. Nursing, 36(6), 46-48. Extracted from EBSCOhost database.