New possibilities in the diabetic diet.

Abstract

Recent changes in diabetic diet have been reviewed with special regard to the role of obesity, eating habits, carbohydrate content, and the ratio of simple and complex carbohydrates in meals, glycaemic index and fibre content of diet. The lack of standard conditions for comparing the results of different examinations as well as the need for the decisive results of long-term studies have been pointed out. The recommended carbohydrate content of diabetic diet is 60%, fat content 30-35%. The previous complete elimination of simple naturally occurring carbohydrates from the diet is not recommended anymore, these may be consumed in a wider field. The observance of glycaemic index and the use of high-fibre diet are of high importance--even if not primary--especially in type II diabetic patient. In general it is recommended to maintain/obtain an ideal body weight and to introduce a simple diet--planned not only for diabetics.