Dietary fibre is a generic term describing non-absorbed plant carbohydrates and small amounts of associated non-carbohydrate components. The main contributors of fibre to the diet are the cell walls of plant tissues, which are supramolecular polymer networks containing variable proportions of cellulose, hemicelluloses, pectic substances, and non-carbohydrate components, such as lignin. Other contributors of fibre are the intracellular storage oligosaccharides, such as fructans. A distinction needs to be made between intrinsic sources of dietary fibre and purified forms of fibre, given that the three-dimensional matrix of the plant cell wall confers benefits beyond fibre isolates. Movement through the digestive tract modifies the cell wall structure and may affect the interactions with the colonic microbes (e.g., small intestinally non-absorbed carbohydrates are broken down by bacteria to short-chain fatty acids, absorbed by colonocytes). These aspects, combined with the fibre associated components (e.g., micronutrients, polyphenols, phytosterols, and phytoestrogens), may contribute to the health outcomes seen with the consumption of dietary fibre. Therefore, where possible, processing should minimise the degradation of the plant cell wall structures to preserve some of its benefits. Food labelling should include dietary fibre values and distinguish between intrinsic and added fibre. Labelling may also help achieve the recommended intake of 14 g/1000 kcal/day.

The glycaemic index (GI) is a food metric that ranks the acute impact of available (digestible) carbohydrates on blood glucose. At present, few countries regulate the inclusion of GI on food labels even though the information may assist consumers to manage blood glucose levels. Australia and New Zealand regulate GI claims as nutrition content claims and also recognize the GI Foundation’s certified Low GI trademark as an endorsement. The GI Foundation of South Africa endorses foods with low, medium and high GI symbols. In Asia, Singapore’s Healthier Choice Symbol has specific provisions for low GI claims. Low GI claims are also permitted on food labels in India. In China, there are no national regulations specific to GI; however, voluntary claims are permitted. In the USA, GI claims are not specifically regulated but are permitted, as they are deemed to fall under general food-labelling provisions. In Canada and the European Union, GI claims are not legal under current food law. Inconsistences in food regulation around the world undermine consumer and health professional confidence and call for harmonization. Global provisions for GI claims/endorsements in food standard codes would be in the best interests of people with diabetes and those at risk.

Background/Objectives: Achieving a balanced wholefood diet while stabilising glycaemic management is challenging for many people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) due to barriers such as food preparation skills, time, and medication effects. Diabetes-specific nutritional formulas (DSNFs) are nutritionally complete products designed to support glycaemic management and overall nutritional adequacy and may complement wholefood dietary approaches when these are not feasible or are insufficient. Despite growing clinical evidence of efficacy, practical guidance for routine use is limited. Methods: A multidisciplinary expert working group developed a Clinical Practice Guide (CPG) for integrating DSNFs into diabetes care. Development was informed by a literature review and iterative consensus among experts, including representatives of the Australian Diabetes Society, Australian Diabetes Educators Association, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Results: The CPG outlines a three-step pathway: (1) assess suitability (clinical indications, contraindications, preferences, cultural context); (2) tailor the approach (individual goals, dose/timing relative to weight and body composition goals and observed glycaemic patterns, integration with lifestyle care); and (3) monitor progress (baseline, 2–4 weeks to assess initial response, then 3, 6, and 12 months for glycaemic indices, weight/body composition where available, and medication review). Conclusions: This CPG provides practical, multidisciplinary guidance for the person-centred use of DSNFs as an adjunct to standard care, supporting translation of current evidence into clinical practice and promoting consistent, multidisciplinary implementation.

Background/Objectives: Achieving a balanced wholefood diet while stabilising glycae-mic management is challenging for many people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) due to barri-ers such as food preparation skills, time, and medication effects. Diabetes-specific nutri-tional formulas (DSNF) are nutritionally complete products designed to support glycae-mic management and overall nutritional adequacy and may complement wholefood die-tary approaches when these are not feasible or are insufficient. Despite growing clinical evidence of efficacy, practical guidance for routine use is limited. Methods: A multidisci-plinary expert working group developed a Clinical Practice Guide (CPG) for integrating DSNF into diabetes care. Development was informed by a literature review and iterative consensus among experts, including representatives of the Australian Diabetes Society, Australian Diabetes Educators Association, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Results: The CPG outlines a three-step pathway: (1) Assess suitability (clinical indications, contraindications, preferences, cultural context); (2) Tailor the approach (indi-vidual goals, dose/timing relative to weight and body composition goals and observed glycaemic patterns, integration with lifestyle care); and (3) Monitor progress (baseline, 2–4 weeks to assess initial response, then 3, 6, and 12 months for glycaemic indices, weight/body composition where available, and medication review). Conclusions: This CPG provides practical, multidisciplinary guidance for the person-centred use of DSNF as an adjunct to standard care, supporting translation of current evidence into clinical prac-tice and promoting consistent, multidisciplinary implementation.