What better way to find a dietitian than the one who can understand you the most? Everyday Health is a registered dietitian who also happens to have diabetes. It is crucial to find a suitable dietitian who can help you control your condition.
However, many people overlook the problem. Some people who have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, have met with a dietitian only once. Sometimes they consult with a dietitian right after being hospitalized for high blood glucose.
But, one short meeting is never enough to learn everything that a dietitian can teach you, says Jacqueline King. Lady King has been a certified dietitian for more than forty years.
Speaking from experience, she says she doesn’t support one-shot dietetics.
Moreover, she claims that if a person believes they have obtained nothing from a single visit, she would probably agree with them.
How to Find the Right Dietitian for You
In a perfect world, as soon as you are diagnosed with diabetes, you would be referred to a professional dietitian.
That registered dietitian will guide you immediately about what you should, shouldn’t, or when you can eat. In the end, you will learn how to manage your blood sugar levels properly.
Moreover, a proper dietitian will help set goals and plan meals that are best suited for your body and weight.
If you can’t find a dietitian, your insurance company can help you get a list of all the certified dietitians in your area.
However, make sure that the dietitian you pick is compatible.
Note: Not all certified dietitians specialize in managing diabetes. Therefore, make sure you pick the one which is suitable for managing your condition.
To pick the right dietitian, look for one who is a BDA. This certification proves that the person you are consulting with knows the ‘’ins and outs’’ of the type of diet you should choose and the medications you use.
In other words, the dietitian should know how to pick a diet that will not affect the diabetes medications.
Talk to Your Dietitian More than Once
To develop a proper diet for managing your blood sugar levels, it is crucial that you visit the dietitian more often. This way, your dietitian will be able to determine what diet is best suited for your body and which is most appealing to you.
In fact, it is a good idea to consult with a dietitian every six months to make proper adjustments.
Moreover, try to bring your records of measured blood sugar levels, so that the dietitian will know which snacks or meals affect your blood glucose the most.
Furthermore, make a 3-day food diary. This way your dietitian will know your schedule and the type of foods you eat on a daily basis.
What Should Your Dietitian Do?
1. Set Up a Meal Plan
Your dietitian should set up meal plans for several days, including snacks that would fit into your daily schedule. Moreover, this meal plan should be specifically individualized based on your needs.
2. Teach You to Count Carbohydrates
It is important to count the carbohydrates in your meals, and a dietitian can help you learn that. Plus, they will show you different methods you can use and control the portion sizes you eat.
3. Consult with a Doctor
If it is necessary, you may need to get an adequate medication regimen that works best with the diet. Therefore, you might need to consult with a doctor.
Remember a good dietitian will always support you. Besides, it is not easy to deal with this condition alone. That is why you need a person like that for encouragement and guidance.
So, don’t doubt consulting with a dietitian. You will benefit from it greatly.
