Diabetes Nutritionists and Dietitians in Downers Grove, IL
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.
Anna works collaboratively with clients, utilizing a root cause approach, while providing quality care in an accessible manner. She believes that food is not only fuel but a vital component of a person's overall health and happiness. Her approach is characterized by empathy and active listening, allowing her to understand each client’s unique challenges and aspirations. Anna's focus is on functional nutrition, meaning she looks at how food and nutrients affect bodily functions - from energy and digestion to mood and cognitive function.
Anna works collaboratively with clients, utilizing a root cause approach, while providing quality care in an accessible manner. She believes that food is not only fuel but a vital component of a person's overall health and happiness. Her approach is characterized by empathy and active listening, allowing her to understand each client’s unique challenges and aspirations. Anna's focus is on functional nutrition, meaning she looks at how food and nutrients affect bodily functions - from energy and digestion to mood and cognitive function.
Wholistic, realistic, and sustainable. These three words are at the core of how I live, why I became a registered dietitian, and how I engage with my clients. I have a unique perspective as a registered dietitian: There are a limited number of male dietitians, I am a husband, a father, and significant life experience that allows me to truly understand client’s situations, and provide wholistic, realistic, and sustainable changes that can improve not only their physical health, but their mental and emotional health as well.
Wholistic, realistic, and sustainable. These three words are at the core of how I live, why I became a registered dietitian, and how I engage with my clients. I have a unique perspective as a registered dietitian: There are a limited number of male dietitians, I am a husband, a father, and significant life experience that allows me to truly understand client’s situations, and provide wholistic, realistic, and sustainable changes that can improve not only their physical health, but their mental and emotional health as well.
I'm inviting all individuals who need a fresh start to their recovery. A fresh start looks like: needing to work through challenges that still remain from previous eating disorder treatments; an introduction to that body of yours who has been waiting to be "friended" by you; wanting to know how very different a nourished brain behaves and finally- meeting a hybrid dietitian who safely, wisely helps you eat, move and live in a body that's hungry for change.
I'm inviting all individuals who need a fresh start to their recovery. A fresh start looks like: needing to work through challenges that still remain from previous eating disorder treatments; an introduction to that body of yours who has been waiting to be "friended" by you; wanting to know how very different a nourished brain behaves and finally- meeting a hybrid dietitian who safely, wisely helps you eat, move and live in a body that's hungry for change.
I am a registered and licensed dietitian nutritionist with experience working in disordered eating, weight management, cardiovascular health, sports nutrition and diabetes.
My nutrition philosophy is to find wellness, balance and joy in all foods. Using evidence when possible, it is my goal to teach individuals how to eat to prevent disease and illness, enhance performance and quality of life. Using compassion always, it is my goal to work as a team with each individual to create the best nutrition plan that works for that individual.
I am a registered and licensed dietitian nutritionist with experience working in disordered eating, weight management, cardiovascular health, sports nutrition and diabetes.
My nutrition philosophy is to find wellness, balance and joy in all foods. Using evidence when possible, it is my goal to teach individuals how to eat to prevent disease and illness, enhance performance and quality of life. Using compassion always, it is my goal to work as a team with each individual to create the best nutrition plan that works for that individual.
More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby
Because of my own personal health journey, I empathize with people who feel trapped and worried that their health challenges have become the new normal. I support my clients and make their voices heard in order to tackle the health challenge head-on.
Because of my own personal health journey, I empathize with people who feel trapped and worried that their health challenges have become the new normal. I support my clients and make their voices heard in order to tackle the health challenge head-on.
Brittany helps clients heal chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation.
Brittany Payton, RD, LD, is a licensed dietitian with over 19 years of experience helping clients heal chronic conditions using food as medicine. After facing her own health challenges, she adopted a root-cause, whole-body approach. Brittany blends functional nutrition, clinical insight, and compassion to create personalized, practical plans. She truly listens to each client, empowering them to make lasting change—no quick fixes or restrictive diets here.
Brittany helps clients heal chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation.
Brittany Payton, RD, LD, is a licensed dietitian with over 19 years of experience helping clients heal chronic conditions using food as medicine. After facing her own health challenges, she adopted a root-cause, whole-body approach. Brittany blends functional nutrition, clinical insight, and compassion to create personalized, practical plans. She truly listens to each client, empowering them to make lasting change—no quick fixes or restrictive diets here.
My clients come to me when they’re struggling with insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, fatty liver, or midlife metabolism and are ready for a plan that actually works.
I help stabilize blood sugar, reduce insulin resistance, improve liver markers, restore cycles in PCOS, support sustainable weight loss, and increase energy. Clients see measurable changes in labs and daily symptoms. I’m not a traditional dietitian. I create a personalized metabolic roadmap based on your unique patterns, not generic advice.
My clients come to me when they’re struggling with insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, fatty liver, or midlife metabolism and are ready for a plan that actually works.
I help stabilize blood sugar, reduce insulin resistance, improve liver markers, restore cycles in PCOS, support sustainable weight loss, and increase energy. Clients see measurable changes in labs and daily symptoms. I’m not a traditional dietitian. I create a personalized metabolic roadmap based on your unique patterns, not generic advice.
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.
I also work with individuals with diabetes and prediabetes, focusing on improving A1C through a non-restrictive approach.
My name is Kristen Nyampong, and I’m a Registered Dietitian based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. I take a person-centered, trauma-informed, and weight-inclusive approach to care. I’m especially passionate about working with individuals in the BIPOC community and those who are vegan, vegetarian, or plant-forward.
I also work with individuals with diabetes and prediabetes, focusing on improving A1C through a non-restrictive approach.
My name is Kristen Nyampong, and I’m a Registered Dietitian based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. I take a person-centered, trauma-informed, and weight-inclusive approach to care. I’m especially passionate about working with individuals in the BIPOC community and those who are vegan, vegetarian, or plant-forward.
At our first session, the average person tells me "I know what I need to do, I just wish I had the willpower to do it." Many rely on sheer willpower to accomplish their goals instead of learning how to make nutrition a simple and enjoyable process. Nutrition is not supposed to be this hard or guilt-inducing. It should primarily mold around your general life and preferences, not the other way around. My main approach to accomplish this is to build a basic understanding on why your old habits do not work, and why these new habits will work.
At our first session, the average person tells me "I know what I need to do, I just wish I had the willpower to do it." Many rely on sheer willpower to accomplish their goals instead of learning how to make nutrition a simple and enjoyable process. Nutrition is not supposed to be this hard or guilt-inducing. It should primarily mold around your general life and preferences, not the other way around. My main approach to accomplish this is to build a basic understanding on why your old habits do not work, and why these new habits will work.
All things diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, prediabetes - prevention of development into type 2 DM, diabetes and weight loss related medications, including insulin & GLP-1's), hypertension, elevated cholesterol, PCOS, menopause, pregnancy/postpartum health, teen nutrition, disordered eating, & eating disorder recovery.
Ebb & Flow Medical Nutrition Therapy & Consulting: helping people with chronic conditions - such as PCOS, diabetes, hypertension, and disordered eating - find solutions and peace with food through evidence-based, functional nutrition.
I use food and nutrients to remit or improve chronic conditions, while teaching you about food/your body along the way.
We look forward to meeting and working with you!
All things diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, prediabetes - prevention of development into type 2 DM, diabetes and weight loss related medications, including insulin & GLP-1's), hypertension, elevated cholesterol, PCOS, menopause, pregnancy/postpartum health, teen nutrition, disordered eating, & eating disorder recovery.
Ebb & Flow Medical Nutrition Therapy & Consulting: helping people with chronic conditions - such as PCOS, diabetes, hypertension, and disordered eating - find solutions and peace with food through evidence-based, functional nutrition.
I use food and nutrients to remit or improve chronic conditions, while teaching you about food/your body along the way.
We look forward to meeting and working with you!
As someone who has lived with type-1 diabetes for over 15yrs, I get how it is to live with a chronic condition while also balancing the rest of life, including the rigors of high intensity physical activity.
I offer a non-diet, whole-person approach focused on nutritional but also overall lifestyle balance to achieve sustainable dietary patterns that help with any condition or training schedule. I aim to be a partner in your care and develop the right, sustainable, plan for YOU and your goals, whatever they may be.
As someone who has lived with type-1 diabetes for over 15yrs, I get how it is to live with a chronic condition while also balancing the rest of life, including the rigors of high intensity physical activity.
I offer a non-diet, whole-person approach focused on nutritional but also overall lifestyle balance to achieve sustainable dietary patterns that help with any condition or training schedule. I aim to be a partner in your care and develop the right, sustainable, plan for YOU and your goals, whatever they may be.
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.
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.
Specialities include: Weight Management, Sports Nutrition, PCOS, General Lifestyle and Nutrition, Mindful Eating, Intuitive Eating, High Cholesterol, Heart Health, High Blood Pressure, Weight Gain, Anti-Inflammatory, Pre- Diabetes, and Type 2 Diabetes.
Elise is a dietitian who focuses on using realistic approaches to help you improve your health through nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle practices. Her approach to nutrition is holistic and client centered. She takes the time to fully understand your unique lifestyle, preferences, and challenges to create a realistic nutrition plan together as a team. Elise believes in the power of using high quality nutrient dense foods to support all aspects of your health and wellbeing.
Specialities include: Weight Management, Sports Nutrition, PCOS, General Lifestyle and Nutrition, Mindful Eating, Intuitive Eating, High Cholesterol, Heart Health, High Blood Pressure, Weight Gain, Anti-Inflammatory, Pre- Diabetes, and Type 2 Diabetes.
Elise is a dietitian who focuses on using realistic approaches to help you improve your health through nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle practices. Her approach to nutrition is holistic and client centered. She takes the time to fully understand your unique lifestyle, preferences, and challenges to create a realistic nutrition plan together as a team. Elise believes in the power of using high quality nutrient dense foods to support all aspects of your health and wellbeing.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support for weight management, bariatric care, eating disorders, and overall health. They often feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to navigate nutrition advice and want a balanced, sustainable approach. I provide collaborative, individualized care focused on realistic goals, behavior change, and improving their relationship with food. My approach is supportive and practical, helping clients build confidence, consistency, and long-term habits that fit their lifestyle.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support for weight management, bariatric care, eating disorders, and overall health. They often feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to navigate nutrition advice and want a balanced, sustainable approach. I provide collaborative, individualized care focused on realistic goals, behavior change, and improving their relationship with food. My approach is supportive and practical, helping clients build confidence, consistency, and long-term habits that fit their lifestyle.
Carly provides HAES-aligned care and emphasizes a non-diet approach for her nutrition counseling and evidenced-based interventions in several areas of health and nutrition, including but not limited to, pre- diabetes, type 2 diabetes, weight management, heart health, and GI management.
Carly loves structure and routine while also embracing creativity to meet each client where they are at. Nutrition is not a "one-size fits all" approach and Carly encourages her clients to be authentically themselves to provide optimal individualized care.
Carly provides HAES-aligned care and emphasizes a non-diet approach for her nutrition counseling and evidenced-based interventions in several areas of health and nutrition, including but not limited to, pre- diabetes, type 2 diabetes, weight management, heart health, and GI management.
Carly loves structure and routine while also embracing creativity to meet each client where they are at. Nutrition is not a "one-size fits all" approach and Carly encourages her clients to be authentically themselves to provide optimal individualized care.
Danielle is a Registered Dietitian who practices out of Health Loft. Danielle understands that making fulfilling, long-lasting, and healthful decisions requires patience and a solid client-provider relationship. Change can be challenging, and you need a supportive provider to help navigate the way as you create your own path. Danielle strongly believes that being healthy means not only taking care of our physical health, but also our mental health. Danielle understands that nutrition is not “one-size-fits-all”, and she will work to help you create a personalized plan of care to help you meet your goals.
Danielle is a Registered Dietitian who practices out of Health Loft. Danielle understands that making fulfilling, long-lasting, and healthful decisions requires patience and a solid client-provider relationship. Change can be challenging, and you need a supportive provider to help navigate the way as you create your own path. Danielle strongly believes that being healthy means not only taking care of our physical health, but also our mental health. Danielle understands that nutrition is not “one-size-fits-all”, and she will work to help you create a personalized plan of care to help you meet your goals.
Emily’s ideal patients are individuals who are ready to make meaningful changes in their lives. She especially enjoys working with those experiencing GI disorders, as these conditions can be deeply debilitating and require strong motivation. Emily also loves working with pediatric patients, finding joy in helping children build healthy nutrition habits that can positively impact their lives long term.
Emily’s ideal patients are individuals who are ready to make meaningful changes in their lives. She especially enjoys working with those experiencing GI disorders, as these conditions can be deeply debilitating and require strong motivation. Emily also loves working with pediatric patients, finding joy in helping children build healthy nutrition habits that can positively impact their lives long term.
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.