Consulting with a dietitian is important for you with Type 2 diabetes for several reasons, as supported by various medical organizations and research studies.
Personalized Nutrition Plans: We create personalized nutrition plans tailored to an individual’s specific needs, considering factors such as age, gender, weight, activity level, and diabetes management goals. This personalized approach is crucial because diabetes management is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Blood Sugar Control: We help you understand how different foods affect their blood sugar levels. We provide guidance on carbohydrate counting, portion control, and meal timing to help stabilize blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
Healthy Eating Habits: We educate you about making healthier food choices. We help you identify and avoid foods high in added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, which can exacerbate diabetes-related complications.
Weight Management: Weight management is often a critical aspect of Type 2 diabetes management. We assist you in setting realistic weight loss or maintenance goals and developing strategies to achieve them. Even a modest weight loss can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
Nutrient Balance: You need to strike a balance between carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in their diets. We provide guidance on how to achieve this balance while ensuring you get essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Long-Term Health: Effective dietary management can reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and neuropathy. We help you make dietary choices that support overall health and reduce the risk of these complications.
Behavioral Support: We provide behavioral support and motivation to help you make sustainable changes to their eating habits. They can address emotional eating, stress-related issues, and other psychological factors that can impact dietary choices.
Medication Management: For some of you, dietary changes may reduce the need for diabetes medications or insulin. We work closely with you and their healthcare providers to adjust medication regimens as needed.
Ready to take control of your Type 2 diabetes and improve your overall health? Schedule a consultation with our expert dietitian and start your journey towards better diabetes management and a healthier lifestyle!
References:
American Diabetes Association. (2021). “5: Lifestyle Management: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2021.” Diabetes Care, 44(Supplement 1), S53-S72.
Franz, M. J., Boucher, J. L., Rutten-Ramos, S., & VanWormer, J. J. (2015). “Lifestyle weight-loss intervention outcomes in overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.” Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 115(9), 1447-1463.
Norris, S. L., Zhang, X., Avenell, A., Gregg, E., Schmid, C. H., & Lau, J. (2004). “Long-term effectiveness of weight-loss interventions in adults with pre-diabetes: a review.” The American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 28(1), 126-139.
Evert, A. B., Dennison, M., Gardner, C. D., Garvey, W. T., Lau, K. H. K., MacLeod, J., … & Yancy Jr, W. S. (2019). “Nutrition therapy for adults with diabetes or prediabetes: a consensus report.” Diabetes Care, 42(5), 731-754.