Early intervention in patients with diabetes may slow the progression of kidney disease, and early recognition of renal impairment is critical to achieving optimal patient outcomes. Annual screening for the presence of albuminuria in diabetic patients is necessary to prevent diabetic neuropathy. Selection of the appropriate medication to control blood glucose and blood pressure is also important. In addition, however, patients should be willing to manage themselves to overcome diabetic kidney disease through lifestyle changes such as diet, smoking, and weight management, and restrictions on private therapies.
Albuminuria ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; Diabetic Neuropathies ; Diet ; Early Intervention (Education) ; Humans ; Kidney Diseases ; Life Style ; Mass Screening ; Self Care ; Smoke ; Smoking

Background: Medical nutrition therapy is a fundamental part of diabetes management; however, it is very difficult for patients to maintain the recommended diet programs. We investigated whether providing home-delivered therapeutic meals designed by registered dietitians could be useful in lowering blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: During a 12-day study period, we monitored the blood glucose levels of 19 patients with type 2 diabetes by continuous glucose monitoring. For the first six days, the participants maintained their usual lifestyles and were allowed to eat freely (free meal period). During the last six days, two out of the three main meals per day were replaced with home-delivered therapeutic meals designed for diabetes management (therapeutic meal period), during which snacks and exercise were freely allowed. Blood glucose levels and estimated glycated hemoglobin (eHbA1c) were compared between the two periods. Results: Between the free meal period and the therapeutic meal period, mean blood glucose level and eHbA1c dropped by 11.9 mg/dL (P < 0.001) and 0.4% (P = 0.002), respectively. These results were mainly due to the decrease in postprandial glucose levels rather than preprandial glucose levels. Conclusion Providing home-delivered therapeutic meals designed for diabetes management was effective in lowering the blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Background: Medical nutrition therapy is a fundamental part of diabetes management; however, it is very difficult for patients to maintain the recommended diet programs. We investigated whether providing home-delivered therapeutic meals designed by registered dietitians could be useful in lowering blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: During a 12-day study period, we monitored the blood glucose levels of 19 patients with type 2 diabetes by continuous glucose monitoring. For the first six days, the participants maintained their usual lifestyles and were allowed to eat freely (free meal period). During the last six days, two out of the three main meals per day were replaced with home-delivered therapeutic meals designed for diabetes management (therapeutic meal period), during which snacks and exercise were freely allowed. Blood glucose levels and estimated glycated hemoglobin (eHbA1c) were compared between the two periods. Results: Between the free meal period and the therapeutic meal period, mean blood glucose level and eHbA1c dropped by 11.9 mg/dL (P < 0.001) and 0.4% (P = 0.002), respectively. These results were mainly due to the decrease in postprandial glucose levels rather than preprandial glucose levels. Conclusion Providing home-delivered therapeutic meals designed for diabetes management was effective in lowering the blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.