Since diabetes is a life-long disease that affects all groups of the population, irrespective of age, culture or socio-economic status, it is vitally important to identify the most appropriate approach to the application of the nutritional guidelines, from the outset. Dietetic intervention requires an appropriate level of knowledge, experience and skill if dietary habits and eating behaviour are to be adjusted, effectively. The Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG) in the UK recommended that all newly diagnosed patients should be offered a dietetic consultation within four weeks of diagnosis and that non-crisis dietetic review should be available, annually, to all people with diabetes.
UKPDS showed that the first three months were vitally important in determining response to dietary intervention. Currently in the UK one current issue of dietary management in diabetes care is the under-provision of dietetic services in diabetes care.
