Abstract
Patients with diabetes face the daunting task of daily managing their chronic diseases. They seek and receive advice from many sources. Unfortunately, the healthcare profession often creates more confusion for the patients. This article respects the patients' difficulties and offers healthcare professionals basic tips for caring for those with diabetes. To help advance appropriate diabetes information, focus on the 5 diabetes fundamentals: diagnostic criteria, glycemic goals, pathophysiology of diabetes, carbohydrate basics, and appropriate nutrition messages.