Book excerpt: Diabetes greatly affects how people's bodies manage the food they eat. It is essential that people with diabetes follow a carefully structured meal plan and learn specific skills in order to better control their blood glucose levels. The tactics for helping people manage their diabetes through how they eat is called medical nutrition therapy (MNT). Here the American Diabetes Association presents all of the key information and strategies for effectively teaching patients how to manage their diets. Drawing on the knowledge and expertise of dozens of experts in the field, this book covers all of the key topics for implementing successful medical nutrition therapy. Topics include: Thorough discussion of nutrientsDescription of MNT for type 1 and type 2 diabetesDiscussion of providing MNT to special populations, including youth and older individualsExplanation of the different complications of diabetes, such as kidney disease, celiac disease, and cystic fibrosis, and how they impact MNTLatest details on new technology used in MNTGuidelines and strategies for teaching patients about nutrition therapy and how to use it in their daily livesUsing MNT to help prevent diabetes