DM: Scope of Guideline (2015)

DM: Scope of Guideline (2015)

Guideline Scope Characteristics

Below you will find a list of characteristics that describe the Scope of this Guideline.

Disease/Condition(s)

The purpose of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations for registered dietitian nutritionists in providing medical nutrition therapy for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 

Guideline Category

Counseling, Diagnosis, Evaluation, Management, Prevention, Risk Assessment, Screening, Treatment

Clinical Specialty

Cardiology, Endocrinology, Family Practice, Geriatrics, Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Nursing, Nutrition, Ophthalmology, Pharmacology, Podiatry, Preventive Medicine, Psychiatry, Psychology, Surgery

Intended Users

Registered Dietitians, Advanced Practice Nurses, Allied Health Personnel, Chiropractors, Clinical Laboratory Personnel, Dentists, Emergency Medical Technicians/Paramedics, Health Care Providers, Health Plans, Hospitals, Managed Care Organizations, Nurses, Nurse Midwives, Occupational Therapists, Optometrists, Pathology Assistants, Patients, Pharmacists, Physical Therapists, Physician Assistants, Physiatrists, Physicians, Podiatrists, Psychologists/Non-physician Behavioral Health Clinicians, Public Health Departments, Respiratory Care Practitioners, Social Workers, Speech-Language Pathologists, Students, Substance Use Disorders Treatment Providers, Utilization Management

Guideline Objective(s)

Overall Objective

To provide evidence-based recommendations on medical nutrition therapy for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Specific Objectives

  • To define evidence-based nutrition recommendations for RDNs that are carried out in collaboration with other healthcare providers
  • To guide practice decisions that integrate medical, nutritional and behavioral strategies
  • To reduce variations in practice among RDNs
  • To provide the RDN with evidence-based practice recommendations to adjust MNT or recommend other therapies to achieve positive outcomes
  • To develop guidelines for interventions that have measurable clinical outcomes
  • To promote optimal nutrition support within the cost constraints of the healthcare environment.

Target Population

Adult (19 to 44 years), Middle Age (45 to 64 years), Aged (65 to 79 years), Advanced Aged (80 years and over), Male, Female

Target Population Description

Adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Interventions and Practices Considered

This guideline is based on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Care Process and Model, which involves the following steps:

  • Nutrition assessment
  • Nutrition diagnosis
  • Nutrition intervention
  • Nutrition monitoring and evaluation.

 Major Outcomes Considered

These recommendations focus on the following major outcomes:

  • Glycemia (A1C or glucose)
  • Medication usage (insulin or other glucose-lowering medications)
  • Cardiovascular disease risk factors (lipids or blood pressure)
  • Quality of life
  • Weight management (pounds, waist circumference or body mass index)