Diabetes Nutritionists and Dietitians in Johnson County, IA
Are you ready to reclaim your joy, time, and confidence through nutrition and wellness? Through Intuitive Eating and the Health at Every Size® approach, I am here to support you in your pursuit of well-being without fad diets, restriction, or a focus on your weight. We‘ll define what health means to you and focus on the behaviors and habits that can help you feel your best, while still letting you enjoy all of the foods and activities you love. I practice evidence-based nutrition, but always combine my knowledge with your lived experience so my approach is 100% individualized.
Are you ready to reclaim your joy, time, and confidence through nutrition and wellness? Through Intuitive Eating and the Health at Every Size® approach, I am here to support you in your pursuit of well-being without fad diets, restriction, or a focus on your weight. We‘ll define what health means to you and focus on the behaviors and habits that can help you feel your best, while still letting you enjoy all of the foods and activities you love. I practice evidence-based nutrition, but always combine my knowledge with your lived experience so my approach is 100% individualized.
I have been a practicing Dietitian for more than 15 years, specializing in sports nutrition and functional nutrition with an emphasis in performance fueling, weight management, gut health, thyroid conditions and menopause/hormone health.
I do not believe there is a one-size-fits-all plan regarding nutrition and always take an individualized approach with my clients to develop sustainable habits around both nutrition and lifestyle aimed specifically toward reaching their individual goals.
I have been a practicing Dietitian for more than 15 years, specializing in sports nutrition and functional nutrition with an emphasis in performance fueling, weight management, gut health, thyroid conditions and menopause/hormone health.
I do not believe there is a one-size-fits-all plan regarding nutrition and always take an individualized approach with my clients to develop sustainable habits around both nutrition and lifestyle aimed specifically toward reaching their individual goals.
Kristina (she/her) is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor who has dedicated her life to helping individuals who are healing their relationship with food and body. Her expertise expands to helping individuals recovering from eating disorders, disordered eating, chronic dieting and co-occurring mood disorders. Kristina believes in weight inclusive care, anti-diet approach and Health at Every Size. Kristina strives to create a safe environment for growth and healing by utilizing trauma informed principles. Kristina approaches health from emotional, physical, and mental well being.
Kristina (she/her) is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor who has dedicated her life to helping individuals who are healing their relationship with food and body. Her expertise expands to helping individuals recovering from eating disorders, disordered eating, chronic dieting and co-occurring mood disorders. Kristina believes in weight inclusive care, anti-diet approach and Health at Every Size. Kristina strives to create a safe environment for growth and healing by utilizing trauma informed principles. Kristina approaches health from emotional, physical, and mental well being.
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.