Practical guidance for incorporating diabetes specific nutritional formulas into diabetes care
Introducing the new Clinical Practice Guide1
In 2024, a multidisciplinary Expert Advisory Board convened by the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS) and Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) released the Consensus Statement on the use of diabetes‑specific nutritional formulas (DSNFs) in type 2 diabetes. They recommended DSNFs as a valuable short‑term option when a healthy diet is not always feasible, a whole‑food diet does not deliver the desired health outcomes, or current intake is insufficient to meet nutritional needs.2
Building on this evidence, a multidisciplinary Australian expert working group representing the ADS, ADEA, and RACGP developed a Clinical Practice Guide (CPG)1 to support healthcare professionals in the person‑centred integration of DSNFs into routine diabetes care. The guide was created to address a clear gap: although evidence for DSNFs is growing, practical guidance on how to use them consistently in clinical practice has been limited. The CPG aims to ensure safe, effective, and standardised use within multidisciplinary diabetes management.
The CPG provides a simple three-step framework, that can be applied during standard consultations:
1. Assess suitability: Identify patients who may benefit from DSNFs—such as those unable to achieve a healthy wholefood diet due to time constraints, illness, low appetite, or other factors and/or unable to achieve desired health goals including glycaemic targets, nutritional adequacy, muscle preservation or weight management
2. Tailor the approach: Set clear goals with the patient and individualise DSNF use based on weight, nutritional, metabolic, and functional needs.
3. Monitor progress: Review DSNF use and outcomes at 2–4 weeks and again at 3, 6, and 12 months to guide ongoing care.
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Diabetes Australia does not promote or encourage any single diet or eating plan and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to living well with diabetes. People with diabetes should make their own, informed choices about their diabetes management (including eating plans) in consultation with their diabetes healthcare team. Diabetes Australia does not promote any single product or brand. All Glucerna health claims can be found on the website.
Food for Special Medical Purposes. Use under medical supervision.
Abbreviation:
DSNF: diabetes‑specific nutritional formulas.
CPG: Clinical Practice Guide
References:
1. Lin S, et al. Diabetology. 2026;7(2):24 https://doi.org/10.3390/diabetology7020024
2. Lin S, et al. Diabetes Management Journal. August 2024:17-19