Manual informativo sobre contagem de proteínas no tratamento do diabetes tipo 1

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes education is a fundamental part of the treatment of this condition, which has a high prevalence worldwide, and it is important to develop educational materials for patients and professionals working with type 1 diabetes. One of the strategies used for treatment refers to counting macronutrients, such as protein, and the aim of this study was to develop an educational manual on this approach. Method: This is a descriptive study. To define the theoretical content of the manual, the most recent versions of guidelines in the area of clinical nutrition were consulted, as well as up-to- date scientific articles indexed in online databases that contained important information on the chosen topic. The material developed was submitted for the appreciation of health professionals and people with type 1 diabetes, with the aim of leveling the content. Results: The manual was divided into 19 pages, made up of explanatory text and figures. The initial pages presented concepts and forms of treatment for DM1. This is followed by a discussion of the effect of protein on blood glucose, the percentage of absorption, the amount of protein in grams that affects blood glucose, and the time taken for protein to act. Finally, some important observations about insulin vs protein and examples of protein meals in practice were reported. Conclusion: The development of an information manual proved to be of great importance, given the importance of quick and practical access to specific information on the subject.