A nutritionist can provide general nutrition advice and diet plans tailored to a person’s needs. They can also help a person who has just been diagnosed with diabetes navigate the many dietary changes that will need to be made. Although diabetes is mostly irreversible, proper management of symptoms can help improve the quality of life and minimize future complications. For example, a nutritionist can provide advice on exercise, healthy eating, and case management.
Flexible Meal Timing
Many people with diabetes have difficulty sticking to a strict meal schedule, but there are ways to make meal timing more flexible. If you have diabetes, you should consult your doctor to determine what works best. One approach is to defer insulin administration until after bedtime. This will allow you more flexibility in mealtimes without increasing your risk for hypoglycemia.
Another approach is to eat more natural foods and avoid highly processed products. However, you may still want to treat yourself occasionally. For example, you might crave a sugary treat to eat a small cookie now and then.
Another approach is to plan your meals out a week in advance. Doing this will save you time at the grocery store. Moreover, you should not be afraid to experiment with new recipes. Variety keeps meals interesting and prevents boredom.
Healthy Eating
Diabetic patients need to avoid consuming too much fat, especially saturated fat because this can lead to weight gain and increase the level of blood fats in the body. In addition, high-fat diets can increase the risk of heart disease. Ideally, diabetic patients should replace saturated fat with unsaturated fat and consume a low-fat diet to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Foods high in saturated fat include meat, full-fat dairy products, cream, and other solid cooking fats, such as butter, lard, and copha. According to a diabetic nutritionist Tampa, FL, a well-balanced diet should include plenty of vegetables. Consuming more fruits and vegetables will also improve glucose management. Moreover, eating less salty and fatter food can help you maintain healthy body weight. A dietitian can help you create a healthy eating pattern that is both convenient and delicious. Healthy eating does not mean limiting yourself to special food, but it should be part of your daily routine. Adapting to eating a new diet can be difficult. Eating habits can be ingrained over many years, sometimes generations. As a result, changing a meal plan can be difficult for patients. Patients may also have their own ideas about preparing and incorporating foods into a new diet.
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to control blood sugar levels, and it can benefit people with diabetes. However, it is important to take proper precautions before you exercise. You should not exercise on an empty stomach or take medications that can lower blood sugar levels. Before beginning any exercise program, test your blood sugar levels and eat a small snack, preferably a piece of fruit. During a strenuous workout, your blood sugar level can drop very low, so you should be careful not to overdo it. Exercise improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and may help prevent or improve joint disease. Inflammation is a major contributor to the progression of type 2 diabetes and other related conditions. Moreover, exercise improves the function of the nerves and can help reduce the level of pain in diabetics.
Case Management
Case management is a key element of diabetes management. It is performed by a trained professional who spends time with patients and evaluates their needs. This approach can improve the quality of care and save time. It also provides a point of contact for patients, who can call the specialist with questions or concerns. A CDCES can help patients develop a diabetes management plan and implement lifestyle changes. Their sessions can last up to an hour, and they can make recommendations to help patients achieve their goals. Since most CDCES professionals are also registered dietitians, patients can expect personalized care. They will also be able to access a variety of resources and information.