Medical nutrition therapy is essential for successful management in pe
rsons with diabetes. This article discusses implementation of the 1994
revised nutrition guidelines for persons with diabetes by the nonregi
stered dietitian professional, particularly in the nurse practitioner'
s setting. Major changes in the guidelines are addressed including the
liberalization of sucrose, and basic nutrition assessment, referral g
uidelines, a sample nutrition history, and case studies to assist the
nurse practitioner when a registered dietitian is unavailable. Copyrig
ht (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.