Recommendations: Type 1 and type 2 Diabetes
Although the nutritional recommendations for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are in essence the same, there may be a difference in emphasis.
Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, so restriction of saturated fat is a prime aim for all people with diabetes. However, there should be greater emphasis on modification of fat intake for people with Type 2 diabetes where lipid abnormalities are more common.
People with diabetes who are overweight or obese have a wide range of complications of their obesity: more symptoms can be related to BMI (body mass index) than can be related to blood glucose, so weight management is a fundamental aspect of treatment in Type 2 diabetes.
For Type 1 diabetes greater emphasis should be placed on attempts to modify the progression of microvascular disease, especially nephropathy, by restricting protein intake.
The ultimate goals of management depend on the priorities relevant to the individual person with diabetes.