Diabetes Nutritionists and Dietitians in 60035

Photo of Marcy Kirshenbaum, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN, CLT
Marcy Kirshenbaum
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN, CLT
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
As a clinical nutritionist, I offer individual nutritional counseling to help you make practical and sustainable changes specifically addressing your issues through a healthy lifestyle. You'll experience optimal health and wellness when your body functions are in balance. In our fast-paced, convenience focused lives, we are faced with many obstacles that take us off course-our lifestyle and the quality of our foods, for example. I specialize in gastrointestinal wellness and detoxification support. Gastrointestinal health plays a central role in all other body systems, while support of the body's detoxification mechanisms is critical in our world today.
As a clinical nutritionist, I offer individual nutritional counseling to help you make practical and sustainable changes specifically addressing your issues through a healthy lifestyle. You'll experience optimal health and wellness when your body functions are in balance. In our fast-paced, convenience focused lives, we are faced with many obstacles that take us off course-our lifestyle and the quality of our foods, for example. I specialize in gastrointestinal wellness and detoxification support. Gastrointestinal health plays a central role in all other body systems, while support of the body's detoxification mechanisms is critical in our world today.
(224) 231-6943 View (224) 231-6943
Photo of Kimberly Novotny, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Kimberly Novotny
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Serves Area
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families on a range of food-related issues, including eating disorder recovery, self-esteem and body image, food allergies and intolerances, diabetes management, cardiovascular conditions, pre- and post-natal nutrition, and general wellness.
I support my patients by providing a framework for reconnecting with their body and focusing on nourishment and intuitive eating. I challenge diet culture while assisting patients in feeling confident in their food choices. I pride myself in being open and empathetic with my patients and building long lasting relationships.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families on a range of food-related issues, including eating disorder recovery, self-esteem and body image, food allergies and intolerances, diabetes management, cardiovascular conditions, pre- and post-natal nutrition, and general wellness.
I support my patients by providing a framework for reconnecting with their body and focusing on nourishment and intuitive eating. I challenge diet culture while assisting patients in feeling confident in their food choices. I pride myself in being open and empathetic with my patients and building long lasting relationships.
(224) 243-4468 View (224) 243-4468
Photo of Jacs Scheinman, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Jacs Scheinman
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Online Only
Hi, I’m Jacs Scheinman (he/him)—a registered dietitian and co-founder of Food 4 Thought Nutrition, PLLC. I specialize in compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming support for neurodivergent, queer, and chronically ill individuals—especially those navigating disordered eating, ARFID, or complex medical and digestive conditions. If traditional nutrition advice hasn’t worked for your brain or body, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken.
Hi, I’m Jacs Scheinman (he/him)—a registered dietitian and co-founder of Food 4 Thought Nutrition, PLLC. I specialize in compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming support for neurodivergent, queer, and chronically ill individuals—especially those navigating disordered eating, ARFID, or complex medical and digestive conditions. If traditional nutrition advice hasn’t worked for your brain or body, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken.
(847) 910-3662 View (847) 910-3662

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Shilpa K Patel - Energycompass, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN, RDH, BEP
Energycompass
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN, RDH, BEP
Barrington, IL 60010
As a Clinical Nutritionist, I specialize in educating and empowering clients by addressing the complex interconnections between nutrition, biochemical functions, lifestyle, and environment. My goal is to support whole-body function and long-term wellness by targeting key systems such as sugar metabolism, gastrointestinal health, brain and mental health, hormonal balance, immune function, and more. Using a personalized, functional approach, I incorporate a wide range of tools—including comprehensive lab testing and individualized assessments—to uncover nutritional and lifestyle imbalances that may be contributing to health challenge
As a Clinical Nutritionist, I specialize in educating and empowering clients by addressing the complex interconnections between nutrition, biochemical functions, lifestyle, and environment. My goal is to support whole-body function and long-term wellness by targeting key systems such as sugar metabolism, gastrointestinal health, brain and mental health, hormonal balance, immune function, and more. Using a personalized, functional approach, I incorporate a wide range of tools—including comprehensive lab testing and individualized assessments—to uncover nutritional and lifestyle imbalances that may be contributing to health challenge
(847) 994-4313 View (847) 994-4313
Photo of Stacy Jonio, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Stacy Jonio
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Chicago, IL 60632
As a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, I provide personalized, practical guidance to help clients build realistic habits, feel more confident, and make steady progress toward lasting health goals.
I specialize in blood sugar management, sustainable weight loss, and overall wellness. My approach is personalized, evidence-based, and practical, with guidance tailored to each person’s lifestyle. I help clients build realistic habits, improve their health, and create lasting changes they can maintain over time.
As a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, I provide personalized, practical guidance to help clients build realistic habits, feel more confident, and make steady progress toward lasting health goals.
I specialize in blood sugar management, sustainable weight loss, and overall wellness. My approach is personalized, evidence-based, and practical, with guidance tailored to each person’s lifestyle. I help clients build realistic habits, improve their health, and create lasting changes they can maintain over time.
(773) 823-0848 View (773) 823-0848
Photo of Alisa C Bloom, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN, NBC-HWC
Alisa C Bloom
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN, NBC-HWC
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Are you struggling with one or more life-disrupting symptoms that have been dismissed by other medical providers, despite being on one or more medications? As a DNA-Focused Nutritionist, let me help you use food as medicine, in customized, realistic steps! I add a functional nutrition approach, with herbs and supplements as needed, to discover the root cause of symptoms and develop a personalized plan that evolves with you while you optimize your health. This approach works incredibly well to lift mood, minimize medications, lose weight, increase energy, balance blood sugar and insulin levels, lower blood pressure, and sleep better.
Are you struggling with one or more life-disrupting symptoms that have been dismissed by other medical providers, despite being on one or more medications? As a DNA-Focused Nutritionist, let me help you use food as medicine, in customized, realistic steps! I add a functional nutrition approach, with herbs and supplements as needed, to discover the root cause of symptoms and develop a personalized plan that evolves with you while you optimize your health. This approach works incredibly well to lift mood, minimize medications, lose weight, increase energy, balance blood sugar and insulin levels, lower blood pressure, and sleep better.
(224) 507-1973 View (224) 507-1973
Photo of Carra Joseph, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LRD, LD
Carra Joseph
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LRD, LD
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60618
Carra is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who recognizes that nutrition is both universal and deeply personal. Nutrition isn’t just about eating—culture, goals, preferences, and habits all shape how we fuel ourselves. Carra provides a nonjudgmental space where individuals can connect nutrition and wellness and feel empowered to make sustainable changes.
Carra is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who recognizes that nutrition is both universal and deeply personal. Nutrition isn’t just about eating—culture, goals, preferences, and habits all shape how we fuel ourselves. Carra provides a nonjudgmental space where individuals can connect nutrition and wellness and feel empowered to make sustainable changes.
(980) 575-0909 View (980) 575-0909
Photo of Chloe Bierbower - Nutrition by Chloe, PLLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Nutrition by Chloe, PLLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Chicago, IL 60647
Working with a dietitian can help you nourish your body to support your fertility and manage PCOS, help manage gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related symptoms like nausea/vomiting and heartburn, and support postpartum healing and milk production.
Through 1:1 nutrition counseling we will work together to come up with an individualized nutrition plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. There's no "one size fits all" here. I use evidenced-based practice to ensure I'm providing the best and most up-to-date recommendations to my clients.
Working with a dietitian can help you nourish your body to support your fertility and manage PCOS, help manage gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related symptoms like nausea/vomiting and heartburn, and support postpartum healing and milk production.
Through 1:1 nutrition counseling we will work together to come up with an individualized nutrition plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. There's no "one size fits all" here. I use evidenced-based practice to ensure I'm providing the best and most up-to-date recommendations to my clients.
(312) 561-4892 View (312) 561-4892
Photo of Nicole Buchanan, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Nicole Buchanan
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
These clients may be managing, or hoping to prevent, chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity.
Nicole has significant experience managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, enteral and parenteral nutrition, oncology, hyperlipidemia, weight management, mindful eating, intuitive eating, malnutrition, and hyperemesis gravidarum.
These clients may be managing, or hoping to prevent, chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity.
Nicole has significant experience managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, enteral and parenteral nutrition, oncology, hyperlipidemia, weight management, mindful eating, intuitive eating, malnutrition, and hyperemesis gravidarum.
(659) 247-2042 View (659) 247-2042
Photo of Charlotte Hammond - Eating With Ease , Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, RYT
Eating With Ease
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, RYT
Serves Area
As an Integrative and Functional Dietitian and Diabetes Educator, I can use nutrition science with labs, genetics, and your observations to help you not only get well but feel better for life!
I help clients find wellness, balance, and a path to eating sustainably for life. I’ll work with you where you are at, incorporating metabolic understanding, empathetic listening, and even mindfulness and yoga techniques to help you reduce medications, address sleep, regularize exercise, and soothe stress. With every bite, nourish all of yourself.
As an Integrative and Functional Dietitian and Diabetes Educator, I can use nutrition science with labs, genetics, and your observations to help you not only get well but feel better for life!
I help clients find wellness, balance, and a path to eating sustainably for life. I’ll work with you where you are at, incorporating metabolic understanding, empathetic listening, and even mindfulness and yoga techniques to help you reduce medications, address sleep, regularize exercise, and soothe stress. With every bite, nourish all of yourself.
(312) 561-4896 View (312) 561-4896
Photo of Kelly Duncombe, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Kelly Duncombe
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
Specialities include: Weight management, Diabetes, Heart Health, General Nutrition, Gut Health, Kidney Disease, Sports Nutrition, Women's Health (Pre/Post Natal Nutrition), Infertility Nutrition, Vegan/Vegetarian diets, PCOS, Hormonal Issues.
Meet Kelly, a dedicated Registered Dietitian with a passion for the profound connection between food, health, and the human body. Kelly's journey in the realm of nutrition has been fueled by her unwavering commitment to promoting well-being and her insatiable curiosity for learning. With a heart that genuinely loves people, Kelly derives immense satisfaction from coaching and helping individuals on their path to better health. Her fascination with medical conditions drives her to continuously seek innovative ways to make a difference in the lives of those she serves and strives to empower others to make informed, healthier choices
Specialities include: Weight management, Diabetes, Heart Health, General Nutrition, Gut Health, Kidney Disease, Sports Nutrition, Women's Health (Pre/Post Natal Nutrition), Infertility Nutrition, Vegan/Vegetarian diets, PCOS, Hormonal Issues.
Meet Kelly, a dedicated Registered Dietitian with a passion for the profound connection between food, health, and the human body. Kelly's journey in the realm of nutrition has been fueled by her unwavering commitment to promoting well-being and her insatiable curiosity for learning. With a heart that genuinely loves people, Kelly derives immense satisfaction from coaching and helping individuals on their path to better health. Her fascination with medical conditions drives her to continuously seek innovative ways to make a difference in the lives of those she serves and strives to empower others to make informed, healthier choices
(872) 259-6187 View (872) 259-6187
Photo of Juan M Ramirez, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CPT, LDN
Juan M Ramirez
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CPT, LDN
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
As a nutritionist and certified personal trainer, I specialize in helping individuals get toned and manage type 2 diabetes through personalized strength training and cutting-edge nutrition plans.
With my expertise in nutrition and fitness, I create sustainable, evidence-based strategies that will help you build muscle, shed fat, and transform your body. Expect accountability and a direct, supportive approach as we work together to enhance your health, strength, and physique.
As a nutritionist and certified personal trainer, I specialize in helping individuals get toned and manage type 2 diabetes through personalized strength training and cutting-edge nutrition plans.
With my expertise in nutrition and fitness, I create sustainable, evidence-based strategies that will help you build muscle, shed fat, and transform your body. Expect accountability and a direct, supportive approach as we work together to enhance your health, strength, and physique.
(951) 724-3314 View (951) 724-3314
Photo of Tera Naset - Tera Naset Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDCES
Tera Naset Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDCES
Serves Area
If you have Diabetes, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, or struggle to lose weight in your mid-section, Tera Naset can help.
Tera will help you match your current diet with your current metabolism in order to get your labs back into the normal range ASAP. Then you can focus on improving your overall metabolism so that you can enjoy a wide range of foods and feel good in your body for a long time to come.
If you have Diabetes, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, or struggle to lose weight in your mid-section, Tera Naset can help.
Tera will help you match your current diet with your current metabolism in order to get your labs back into the normal range ASAP. Then you can focus on improving your overall metabolism so that you can enjoy a wide range of foods and feel good in your body for a long time to come.
(480) 841-9418 View (480) 841-9418
Photo of Mia O'Brien-Combs, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
Mia O'Brien-Combs
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
5 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60610
I've worked at various levels of care supporting clients with eating disorders, disordered eating, diabetes, pregnancy, and chronic disease prevention and management.
Hi! I'm Mia (she/her). I’m a Registered Dietitian dedicated to providing culturally centered, accessible, and compassionate nutrition care. I am committed to providing HAES-aligned evidence based care that also honors and celebrates your lived experience. I utilize intuitive eating principles and motivational interviewing with an “all foods fit” and gentle nutrition approach.I will work with you from a place of curiosity and together we will develop tools, skills, and knowledge to better understand and nourish your body while working towards your health goals.
I've worked at various levels of care supporting clients with eating disorders, disordered eating, diabetes, pregnancy, and chronic disease prevention and management.
Hi! I'm Mia (she/her). I’m a Registered Dietitian dedicated to providing culturally centered, accessible, and compassionate nutrition care. I am committed to providing HAES-aligned evidence based care that also honors and celebrates your lived experience. I utilize intuitive eating principles and motivational interviewing with an “all foods fit” and gentle nutrition approach.I will work with you from a place of curiosity and together we will develop tools, skills, and knowledge to better understand and nourish your body while working towards your health goals.
(904) 601-1243 View (904) 601-1243
Photo of Katie Whitson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Katie Whitson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614
Specializes in Disordered Eating and Eating disorders, HAES, Intuitive Eating, Sports Nutrition, General Health/Wellness, Cardiovascular Health, Hormone challenges/imbalances, and Diabetes care.
Katie Whitson is a dedicated HAEs-aligned Registered Dietitian with a deep passion for fostering healthy, sustainable relationships with food and movement. She embraces a non-diet approach, focusing on the connection between nutrition and mental health. Katie employs evidence-based strategies to meet patients where they are in their care, empowering them through active involvement and personalized support. Her mission is to inspire lifelong, transformative changes by blending consistency, structure and creativity in every aspect of her practice.
Specializes in Disordered Eating and Eating disorders, HAES, Intuitive Eating, Sports Nutrition, General Health/Wellness, Cardiovascular Health, Hormone challenges/imbalances, and Diabetes care.
Katie Whitson is a dedicated HAEs-aligned Registered Dietitian with a deep passion for fostering healthy, sustainable relationships with food and movement. She embraces a non-diet approach, focusing on the connection between nutrition and mental health. Katie employs evidence-based strategies to meet patients where they are in their care, empowering them through active involvement and personalized support. Her mission is to inspire lifelong, transformative changes by blending consistency, structure and creativity in every aspect of her practice.
(312) 374-5399 View (312) 374-5399
Photo of Jody Halouska, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CDCES
Jody Halouska
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CDCES
Chicago, IL 60615
Specialties include Diabetes and Pre- diabetes, Bariatrics (pre and post operation), Weight management, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Heart Conditions, Underweight Nutrition, Intuitive Eating, PCOS, Prenatal/Post Natal Nutrition, Gastrointestinal, GERD, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Kidney disease, liver disease, and Sports Nutrition.
Jody is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and feeling your best. Jody is committed to empowering individuals to make positive and sustainable lifestyle changes. Jody strives to provide personalized guidance to help clients achieve their health goals and create a harmonious relationship with food. Recognizing that each individual's relationship with food is unique, Jody works to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their dietary preferences, navigate challenges and cultivate sustainable habits that align with their goals and values.
Specialties include Diabetes and Pre- diabetes, Bariatrics (pre and post operation), Weight management, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Heart Conditions, Underweight Nutrition, Intuitive Eating, PCOS, Prenatal/Post Natal Nutrition, Gastrointestinal, GERD, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Kidney disease, liver disease, and Sports Nutrition.
Jody is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and feeling your best. Jody is committed to empowering individuals to make positive and sustainable lifestyle changes. Jody strives to provide personalized guidance to help clients achieve their health goals and create a harmonious relationship with food. Recognizing that each individual's relationship with food is unique, Jody works to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their dietary preferences, navigate challenges and cultivate sustainable habits that align with their goals and values.
(872) 259-7074 View (872) 259-7074
Photo of Stephanie Bruzek, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Stephanie Bruzek
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
5 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60615
Stephanie has significant experience working with clients with eating disorders, diabetes, gestational diabetes, bariatric surgery (pre- and post- op), as well as working in an outpatient setting in which she worked with various disease processes.
Stephanie is a Registered Dietitian with over 11 years of experience helping individuals manage their health through nutrition. Stephanie promotes individualized care, focusing on nutrition education, behavior change, and promoting health in a sustainable way. Stephanie enjoys connecting with her clients and developing a plan together that will work for their life and aligns with their goals.
Stephanie has significant experience working with clients with eating disorders, diabetes, gestational diabetes, bariatric surgery (pre- and post- op), as well as working in an outpatient setting in which she worked with various disease processes.
Stephanie is a Registered Dietitian with over 11 years of experience helping individuals manage their health through nutrition. Stephanie promotes individualized care, focusing on nutrition education, behavior change, and promoting health in a sustainable way. Stephanie enjoys connecting with her clients and developing a plan together that will work for their life and aligns with their goals.
(551) 284-0794 View (551) 284-0794
Photo of Boguslawa L Susol, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RD, LDN
Boguslawa L Susol
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RD, LDN
Schaumburg, IL 60173
I specialize in cardiometabolic health, helping individuals manage and prevent diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and maintain a healthy body weight through personalized nutrition.
I’m a Registered Dietitian and the owner of BLS Nutrition, a nutrition practice based in Schaumburg, Chicago Suburbs. From Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and tailored meal planning to practical nutrition counseling and culinary guidance, I provide the tools and support needed to take charge of your health and feel your best. I am passionate about empowering individuals of all ages to take charge of their health with personalized nutrition strategies. My practice is open to everyone, and I strive to help individuals of all cultural backgrounds to the best of my ability. Additionally, children are always welcome in my office!
I specialize in cardiometabolic health, helping individuals manage and prevent diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and maintain a healthy body weight through personalized nutrition.
I’m a Registered Dietitian and the owner of BLS Nutrition, a nutrition practice based in Schaumburg, Chicago Suburbs. From Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and tailored meal planning to practical nutrition counseling and culinary guidance, I provide the tools and support needed to take charge of your health and feel your best. I am passionate about empowering individuals of all ages to take charge of their health with personalized nutrition strategies. My practice is open to everyone, and I strive to help individuals of all cultural backgrounds to the best of my ability. Additionally, children are always welcome in my office!
(872) 395-6294 View (872) 395-6294
Photo of Stephanie Fiorentino, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Stephanie Fiorentino
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60607
Registered licensed dietitian nutritionist with training in intuitive eating, eating disorders, diabetes management and behavior change.
Hi, I'm Stephanie! I’m a Health at Every Size aligned dietitian specializing in eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating, and weight neutral medical nutrition therapy. I work with clients to develop an individualized nourishment plan based on their hunger, fullness, and satisfaction cues – without relying on external factors like calorie counting or food restriction to guide eating. I believe that food should be satisfying, fun, and easy. I believe that wellness should be accessible to everyone. And I believe that people in all bodies deserve respectful, compassionate care.
Registered licensed dietitian nutritionist with training in intuitive eating, eating disorders, diabetes management and behavior change.
Hi, I'm Stephanie! I’m a Health at Every Size aligned dietitian specializing in eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating, and weight neutral medical nutrition therapy. I work with clients to develop an individualized nourishment plan based on their hunger, fullness, and satisfaction cues – without relying on external factors like calorie counting or food restriction to guide eating. I believe that food should be satisfying, fun, and easy. I believe that wellness should be accessible to everyone. And I believe that people in all bodies deserve respectful, compassionate care.
(773) 207-3268 View (773) 207-3268
Photo of Deepa Deshmukh, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RD, BC-ADM, CDE, LDN
Deepa Deshmukh
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RD, BC-ADM, CDE, LDN
Serves Area
Whether or not you want to improve your run time, or improve your glucose control, the evidence is clear that working with a Registered Dietitian can help you do that! Our goal at DuPage Dietitians is to assist each client in learning how they to move toward a lifetime of health. We do that by closing the knowledge gap, writing sound nutrition prescriptions based on solid evidence and by coaching our clients toward lasting changes.
Whether or not you want to improve your run time, or improve your glucose control, the evidence is clear that working with a Registered Dietitian can help you do that! Our goal at DuPage Dietitians is to assist each client in learning how they to move toward a lifetime of health. We do that by closing the knowledge gap, writing sound nutrition prescriptions based on solid evidence and by coaching our clients toward lasting changes.
(630) 387-9967 View (630) 387-9967
Diabetes Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition characterized by excessively high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin. Insulin is a hormone essential for reducing blood sugar by enabling cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin due to an inflammatory process affecting insulin-producing cells. In contrast, type 2 diabetes is an acquired condition resulting from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, such as obesity and physical inactivity. In type 2 diabetes, the body has an impaired response to insulin, known as "insulin resistance." Even if the pancreas produces a normal amount of insulin, the body stops responding effectively to the hormone, resulting in impaired glucose uptake into cells.

Is type 2 diabetes caused by a bad diet?
Type 2 diabetes is a complex disease influenced by both genetic and lifestyle factors. Research has shown that poor diet is a major contributor, particularly the consumption of sugar-rich foods and refined carbohydrates, which can lead to insulin resistance. An unhealthy diet promoting obesity is another risk factor, as excess weight increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Additional lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption also contribute to the disease's onset. These elements collectively underscore the importance of healthy diet choices in preventing type 2 diabetes.

How does nutrition affect diabetes?
Nutrition plays a vital role in managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Keeping track of carbohydrate intake is essential for proper insulin dosing and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. To manage blood sugar effectively, many people with diabetes avoid foods that cause spikes in blood sugar, like sugary snacks and refined carbs such as white bread. Instead, they focus on foods that help stabilize blood sugar, like healthy fats and high-fiber options. Portion control and eating meals at regular times are also important for keeping blood sugar levels steady.

How can a dietitian help someone with diabetes?
Dietitians play a crucial role in assisting individuals with diabetes through lifestyle modification strategies and symptom management. Their expertise is particularly valuable for those recently diagnosed or at risk of developing diabetes. Dietitians provide guidance on tracking carbohydrate intake and appropriately dosing insulin, which is essential for effective diabetes management. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, dietitians can help design weight loss plans and recommend specific dietary modifications, such as increasing the intake of plant-based foods, to promote a healthier lifestyle. In addition, dietitians will often work with other medical professionals on a patient's care team to help the patient navigate symptoms and can thus help the patient integrate input from various professional sources in the management of their condition.