diabetes Flashcards
what are the characteristics of medical nutritional treatment
- education
- assessment
- monitoring
what happens in monitoring
Monitoring sessions provide accountability and assist the patient to formulate solutions to their barriers to adherence. The tools dietitians use includes; The 5 A’s approach (ask, assess, assist, advice and arrange), goal setting, self-monitoring (food diaries), cognitive restructuring, relapse prevention, incentives, motivational interviewing and modelling. Problem solving together with positive feedback and reinforcement enhance the patient’s level of self-efficacy, which is important to create and sustain healthy eating habits.
what happens in assessment
Age, gender, anthropometric measurements, weight history, associated conditions, glycaemic control, nutrition history (24- hour recall & food frequency questionnaire), economic status, lifestyle factors (e.g. work logistics), cultural eating patterns, activity pattern, psychological and cognitive factors impacting on eating behaviour, level of literacy, use of medication and supplements.
what happens under education
Acquiring good nutritional knowledge is the first step towards change. Patients need to develop an understanding of food composition, classification, how nutrients influence weight status, glycaemic control and associated conditions. The former serves to empower patients to make informed food choices.
Patients often know what to do, but find it difficult to apply the knowledge practically to achieve positive outcomes. Patients require practical tools such as a personalized, practical eating plan, 7-day-cycle menu, and a shopping list that meets the family’s lifestyle, culture, socio-economic status and food preferences. It is important to maintain the pleasure of eating by providing positive messages about food.
