Top 10 Reasons to see a Dietitian who Specializes in Diabetes
A dietitian who specializes in diabetes works with people who have pre-diabetes, diabetes, or are at risk for diabetes. While not all dietitians who work in this field have have specialty certification, many have the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) credential (1).
There are many reasons to see a dietitian who specializes in diabetes, but here are our top 10 reasons:
1) To minimize the risk of developing diabetes.
A dietitian can help those who have a family history of diabetes or are at a high risk for developing diabetes. They can help minimize the risk of developing diabetes through healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes.
2) To better understand what you should be eating.
Nutrition plays such a big role in the management of diabetes. But it can be confusing trying to figure out which foods fit. A dietitian who specializes in diabetes can help you navigate the best food choices to control your blood sugars.
3) To learn how to count carbohydrates.
While not everyone with diabetes needs to count carbohydrates, it can be an effective tool in gaining control over your blood sugars. A dietitian who specializes in diabetes can teach you how to count carbohydrates in your diet.
4) To prevent complications from diabetes.
When blood sugars are not controlled it can lead to many complications. Diabetes can cause issues with the skin, eyes, nerves, feet, kidneys, and heart (2). A dietitian can help you control blood sugars to prevent unnecessary complications from diabetes.
5) To stop kidney damage and prevent kidney failure.
Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the kidneys leading to kidney failure. This can lead to needing to be on dialysis. A dietitian can help you control your blood sugar and prevent damage to the kidneys.
6) To meet your health goals.
Dietitians can help you to make behavior changes and meet your health goals. Nutrition is a major part of health and wellness, especially for those with diabetes. Working with a dietitian provides support and accountability in meeting your goals.
7) To prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Diabetic ketoacidosis is one of the most serious conditions associated with diabetes that can put someone in a coma or even can cause death. A dietitian who specializes in diabetes can help teach you the warning signs and to prevent DKA.
8) To minimize the risk of stroke.
Those with diabetes are at a higher risk for stroke. A dietitian can help you to manage your blood sugars, blood pressure, and cholesterol. All of which can minimize the risk of stroke.
9) To maintain your eyesight and prevent blindness.
Those with diabetes are more likely to develop issues that impact their eyes which can lead to blindness. Loss of eyesight with diabetes is irreversible. But you can work with a dietitian who specializes in diabetes to control your diabetes and prevent damage to the eyes.
10) To live a long and healthy life.
A dietitian who specializes in diabetes can help improve quality of life and minimize complications of diabetes. Good nutrition is key to living a long and healthy life!
RD Nutrition Consultants is a nationwide group of Registered Dietitians who provide professional nutrition consulting services. We specialize in providing Dietitian Consultant services in a wide variety of healthcare and wellness organizations.
REFERENCES
1. Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education website. https://www.cbdce.org/. Accessed September 28, 2020.
2. Complications. American Diabetes Association website. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/complications. Accessed September 28, 2020.
