Desvendando a contagem de carboidratos no tratamento do Diabetes Mellitus.

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. It is a heterogeneous group of metabolic disorders, which presents, in common, the hyperglycemia. Nutritional therapy is one of the fundamental components of the therapeutic approach to diabetes. Thus, in the healthy eating context, carbohydrate counting becomes a key strategy for the treatment of diabetes. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a literature review with the main points related to diabetes in order to understand the impact of carbohydrate counting and diet therapy, analyzing and providing information about these repercussions. Articles from the databases PUBMED, LILACS-BIREME and SCIELO were collected in order to conduct a careful and objective reading of the material that formed the basis for the analysis of the relationship between carbohydrate counting and diabetes mellitus. The diet of the diabetic patient demands close attention, because it is a conflicting issue for the individual and his family. The counting method can be widely used by all types of diabetes, being also a meal planning strategy focused on carbohydrate, which is the main nutrient that affects the postprandial glycemic response. In addition, the counting method provides social integration, and respects the nutritional needs and eating habits of the individual with diabetes. With that anyone with diabetes can use carbohydrate counting as a meal plan.