Enteral nutrition in the patient with diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus is a serious and fairly common metabolic disorder that affects carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Indications for nutritional support are no different for patients with diabetes than in any other patient group. The setting may be recovery from surgery or trauma and transition to solid food is anticipated, or, as a result of permanent injury or stroke, enteral feeding may be the permanent manner of nutrition delivery. Attention must be given to the selection of a macronutrient intake that will optimize blood glucose and lipid control. It is vital that blood glucose concentration be carefully monitored and that over- and underfeeding be avoided.