12 Apr What does a diabetes nutritionist do?
As dietitians, specializing in diabetes nutrition care, we help people with diabetes manage their condition through individualized dietary interventions. Getting a diagnosis of diabetes can be overwhelming, whether it’s prediabetes, type 1, type 2, or gestational. Our goal is to empower our patients to feel confident in their nutrition choices, not fearful.
Recent studies have proven that lifestyle changes can prevent, manage, and even reverse type 2 diabetes.
What are the main goals of medical nutrition therapy for diabetes?
The overarching goals of MNT for diabetes are to maintain normal blood glucose levels, reach and maintain a healthy weight (in adults), achieve healthy growth and development (in children and adolescents), and improve wellness. And, when possible, reverse the condition.
A dietitian on our team will:
Personalize meal planning:
Based on a thorough assessment of your lifestyle, eating behaviors, favorite foods, family traditions, and unique medical needs, we individualize meal plans.
Provide nutrition education:
Learn to read food labels (find those hidden sugars), get evidence-based practices, and debunk the myths around a diabetes diagnosis. There’s a lot of bad information out there, and we are both a resource and educator.
Manage carbs:
Carbohydrates aren’t off the table! As dietitian nutritionists, we will give you the tools you need to choose carbs that can support your disease management.
- Choose wholegrain breads and cereals (no more white bread!).
- Replace pasta and white rice with quinoa and bulgar wheat.
- Eat the whole fruit instead of juice. (This way you get that much-needed fiber for blood glucose management).
- Snack on seeds, nuts, and pulses (toasted lentils, hummus) instead of crackers, chips, and dried fruits.
- Cheese, cottage cheese, and unsweetened Greek yogurt are great choices.
Guide you toward intuitive eating:
A big part of disease management is implementing intuitive eating practices. This is counter to the diet culture. It’s about learning to trust our bodies’ signals again. Incorporating the principles of intuitive eating into diabetes management can help balance blood sugar levels and alleviate stress and anxiety regarding food.
Monitor and adjust nutrition interventions.
Our bodies are incredible machines, and we’re here to monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments to your diet plan, and continue to help you manage your blood sugar levels.
What is the best diet for a diabetic?
Again, there is no one-size-fits-all diet for anyone, much less someone struggling with a chronic illness. Recent studies, though, have shown that intermittent fasting might be one possibility to help manage type 2 diabetes (this is not appropriate for pregnant women dealing with gestational diabetes or type 1 diabetes).
Intermittent fasting can be a useful tool in comprehensive diabetes management for some people. This diet has been proven to increase insulin sensitivity, better blood sugar regulation, and assist in weight loss which, in turn, can help with blood sugar regulation.
Discuss any big diet changes with your dietitian and primary caregiver.
Working with a nutritionist who specializes in diabetes management can give you the tools you need to feel confident about your food choices, improve your blood sugar management, reach and maintain a healthy weight, and simply enjoy going out to eat with friends and family again.
We look forward to working with you.
Delicious Snack Options for Diabetes Management:
- Hummus and Veggie Sticks: Pair a serving of hummus with sliced vegetables including carrots, bell peppers, and cucumber. The hummus provides protein and fiber, while the veggies offer additional fiber and nutrients.
- Greek Yogurt with Berries and Nuts: Mix a serving of plain Greek yogurt with a handful of mixed berries (such as blueberries or strawberries) and a small portion of chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts). This snack is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a great option for managing blood sugar levels.