NUTRITIONAL APPROACH IN ADULTS WITH INSULIN THERAPY: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia due to severe deficiency in insulin secretion or resistance of the body to it. In 2021, it was estimated that 537 million people between the ages of 20 and 79 were living with diabetes, and that number could rise to 628.6 million by 2045. The ideal treatment is insulin therapy associated with a healthy and balanced diet, crucial for glycemic control and the prevention of complications. Objective: To describe current nutritional approaches for better management of care in adult patients on insulin therapy. Method: An integrative literature review was carried out, including publications from 2019 to 2024, in Portuguese and English, addressing MD I and/or MD II, covering review articles, scientific and technical notes, as well as guidelines from relevant institutions. Studies in other languages, articles that did not respond to the survey after reading the abstract, case reports, duplicates, not available in full, and those involving pregnant women and children were discarded. Results: The search in the databases resulted in 54 articles, reduced to 5 after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All addressed individualized diets (100%), two highlighted the importance of physical activity (40%), and one article emphasized reducing carbohydrates and increasing fiber (20%). In addition, two articles (40%) mentioned the importance of decreasing sugars and refined foods, and increasing whole grains. Conclusion: The importance of a personalized nutritional approach in diabetes management, optimizing insulin use and improving glycemic control is highlighted. Continuing nutritional education by health professionals is essential for patients' autonomy and adherence to nutritional care.