Diet is the cornerstone in the treatment of Diabetes. Long term dietary control can help to control blood sugars and offer protection against complications like elevated blood pressure,cholesterol and cardio vascular disease. A person with Diabetes need not follow a separate diet. Guidance on healthy eating has to be provided to him.

It is mandatory for patients who visit the hospital for the first time, to have a consultation with the Dietitian. The diet also needs to be reviewed each visit for individuals with type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes and diabetes nephropathy.

There are qualified dietitians in the diet department .They are primarily involved in counseling patients on diet. The food guide pyramid is used as a visual representation for better understanding by the patient. They emphasize on, portion control of foods, making slight changes in his current eating pattern, encourage him/her to choose healthy foods like vegetables, whole grains in the daily diet and educate on the harmful effects of including direct fats and sugars regularly. They motivate the patient to make healthy lifestyle changes and behavioral modification in order to bring the blood sugar levels to normal levels and maintain a healthy weight throughout life.

Individual diets are formulated taking a few factors into consideration like the patient’s age, body mass index, his preferences and complications ,if any(bp,cholesterol,diabetes nephropathy)

Dietitians also help to develop calorie based meal plan according to the patient’s needs and it is prepared and sent to bed side patients under their supervision.