Diabetes Nutritionists and Dietitians in Chattanooga, TN
These include working in private practice, clinical inpatient & outpatient, bariatric, Diabetes management, Eating Disorder recovery, integrative and functional wellness, and sports nutrition.
I initially got into Nutrition to learn how to fuel my body, but my focus shifted as my health declined. Being diagnosed with Celiac disease, Lyme disease, SIBO, & hypothyroidism enabled me to learn the role nutrition plays in treatment/recovery! As a new mom, I have more appreciation for the role the role that nutrition plays in reproductive/hormone health.
These include working in private practice, clinical inpatient & outpatient, bariatric, Diabetes management, Eating Disorder recovery, integrative and functional wellness, and sports nutrition.
I initially got into Nutrition to learn how to fuel my body, but my focus shifted as my health declined. Being diagnosed with Celiac disease, Lyme disease, SIBO, & hypothyroidism enabled me to learn the role nutrition plays in treatment/recovery! As a new mom, I have more appreciation for the role the role that nutrition plays in reproductive/hormone health.
We work with individuals and families who seek education and support related to eating disorders, disordered eating, body image and weight concerns, polycystic ovarian syndrome, general nutrition, diabetes, digestive issues, and sports nutrition.
Dr. Peggy Pratt, a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and her staff of registered dietitians have a combined 30+ years of experience helping clients recover from eating disorders/disordered eating and other nutrition-related concerns. Peggy also provides nutrition testing for food sensitivities (MRT), nutrient deficiencies, and GI/hormone imbalances.
We work with individuals and families who seek education and support related to eating disorders, disordered eating, body image and weight concerns, polycystic ovarian syndrome, general nutrition, diabetes, digestive issues, and sports nutrition.
Dr. Peggy Pratt, a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and her staff of registered dietitians have a combined 30+ years of experience helping clients recover from eating disorders/disordered eating and other nutrition-related concerns. Peggy also provides nutrition testing for food sensitivities (MRT), nutrient deficiencies, and GI/hormone imbalances.
Have you ever felt guilty about what you just ate? Do you find yourself frustrated and anxious when thinking about your next meal? Have you tried every diet but failed and are wondering how to eat? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, know that you are not alone. So, if you’re tired of skipping events to avoid food, binging after a date, feeling unsure about how meals and snacks should look after receiving a medical diagnosis, feeling anxious about preparing food in the kitchen, or if you're a little curious about what intuitive eating is - I am here to help!
Have you ever felt guilty about what you just ate? Do you find yourself frustrated and anxious when thinking about your next meal? Have you tried every diet but failed and are wondering how to eat? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, know that you are not alone. So, if you’re tired of skipping events to avoid food, binging after a date, feeling unsure about how meals and snacks should look after receiving a medical diagnosis, feeling anxious about preparing food in the kitchen, or if you're a little curious about what intuitive eating is - I am here to help!
Online Dietitians and Nutritionists
Many diets have us thinking about what we need to remove from our life. My approach focuses on what you can add to your life. My goal is to provide you a sustainable, personalized roadmap to achieve your health goals. Together, we will target your unique needs by setting practical, achievable goals that empower change toward a healthier you.
Many diets have us thinking about what we need to remove from our life. My approach focuses on what you can add to your life. My goal is to provide you a sustainable, personalized roadmap to achieve your health goals. Together, we will target your unique needs by setting practical, achievable goals that empower change toward a healthier you.
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.