**Medical Nutrition Therapy for Special Groups with Diabetes Mellitus Medical Nutrition Therapy for Special Groups with Diabetes Mellitus**

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.70815

Muhammed Kizilgul, Meltem Mermer and Bekir Ucan Muhammed Kizilgul, Meltem Mermer and Bekir Ucan Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.70815

#### **Abstract**

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing worldwide. Medical nutrition therapy increases the success of diabetes treatment and provides an appropriate glycemic control that decreases diabetes complications. The requirement of energy and nutritional elements may differ according to specific conditions including age, the presence of pregnancy, or comorbidities. Therefore, these specific conditions should be taken into account in the planning of medical nutrition therapy. Ensuring continuity of children and young growth and development, providing requirements based on comorbidities and physiological alterations in older adults, and protection of fetal development and maternal glycemic and nutrient balance in pregnancy should be aimed in the determination of energy and nutritional elements requirements. Here, we will discuss the medical nutrition therapy in special groups with diabetes mellitus.

**Keywords:** diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, youth, elderly, nutrition
