Diabetes Nutritionists and Dietitians in Yuma, AZ
Rachael’s specialties include diabetes (pre- diabetes, type 1, type 2, and gestational), autoimmune conditions, digestive disorders, disordered eating, binge eating disorder, intuitive and mindful eating, anti-inflammatory diets, and general wellness.
Rachael is a Registered Dietitian passionate about helping others build a joyful, balanced relationship with food. She understands that one’s connection with food and body is deeply personal and strives to support you as a partner in your health journey. Her approach is integrative and holistic, emphasizing balance, sustainability, and enjoyment. Rachael connects personally with clients to understand their unique lifestyle, background, and challenges, allowing her to provide truly individualized support in a warm, empathetic, and judgment-free space.
Rachael’s specialties include diabetes (pre- diabetes, type 1, type 2, and gestational), autoimmune conditions, digestive disorders, disordered eating, binge eating disorder, intuitive and mindful eating, anti-inflammatory diets, and general wellness.
Rachael is a Registered Dietitian passionate about helping others build a joyful, balanced relationship with food. She understands that one’s connection with food and body is deeply personal and strives to support you as a partner in your health journey. Her approach is integrative and holistic, emphasizing balance, sustainability, and enjoyment. Rachael connects personally with clients to understand their unique lifestyle, background, and challenges, allowing her to provide truly individualized support in a warm, empathetic, and judgment-free space.
Paige is a Registered Dietitian with over seven years of experience in various areas of nutrition, including clinical nutrition for adults and neonates, pediatrics, public health, and weight management. From an early age, she knew she wanted to help people improve their health and well-being through holistic nutrition and lifestyle management. She is especially passionate about working with women to manage hormone health, including PCOS, infertility, and similar conditions.
Paige is a Registered Dietitian with over seven years of experience in various areas of nutrition, including clinical nutrition for adults and neonates, pediatrics, public health, and weight management. From an early age, she knew she wanted to help people improve their health and well-being through holistic nutrition and lifestyle management. She is especially passionate about working with women to manage hormone health, including PCOS, infertility, and similar conditions.
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.