An Appropriate Energy Intake Proportion of Three Major Nutrients for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

To keep good glycemic control and suppress the development of diabetic complication, diet therapy is a very crucial treatment for type 2 diabetes. Recently, the effectiveness of carbohydrate-restricted diet, and the diet for sarcopenia and frailty have been suggested, inducing the paradigm shift of diet for type 2 diabetes. There is insufficient evidence regarding the distribution of nutrients in the diet of patients with type 2 diabetes. Here, we reviewed the current state of evidences and guidelines regarding energy allocation of nutrients for patients who have already developed diabetes. At present, any Japanese and international guidelines did not clearly describe an appropriate energy intake proportion of three major nutrients for treatment of type 2 diabetes. The tailor-made medicine should also be applied to the diet for type 2 diabetes. When setting the nutritional balance of diabetic patients, first, we should fully understand each patient’s current situation and make appropriate adjustments, taking into the account of changes in body weight, blood glucose and lipid levels, patient preferences, and feasibility. J Endocrinol Metab. 2020;10(5):113-117 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jem693