Medical nutrition therapy in type 2 diabetes.

Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is an essential part of the treatment regimen for individuals with type 2 diabetes. The interaction of the patient and the health care team is critical in developing realistic MNT goals for successful management of type 2 diabetes. Because type 2 diabetes is a lifetime disorder, these goals must be evaluated and modified in response to changes in a patient's health status and life situations. In addition, the patient and health care provider need to be cognizant of the increasing body of knowledge related to MNT in type 2 diabetes and educational tools available to assist in using this knowledge.