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Importance of Registered Dietitians/Certified Diabetes Educators

in The Too Busy to Diet Blog on July 18, 2013

Registered Dietitians/Certified Diabetes Educators:

Important Members of the Diabetes Health Care Team

Research from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial stated that individuals with diabetes found that the most difficult aspect of diabetes care to be DIET. For this reason, the registered dietitian/certified diabetes educator (RD/CDE) is a crucial member of the health care team helping you manage your diabetes. The RD/CDE, will help you create a healthy meal plan. They can also teach you how to monitor your blood sugars and make evaluations that can aid in improving your diabetes control through your diet, exercise, or change in medication by your physician. Dietitians can help you learn how to fit favorite foods into your meal plan, treat high and low blood sugars, plan your snacks, shop, meal plan, and read nutrition labels.  Most patients with diabetes see their registered dietitian/certified diabetes educator a minimum of twice yearly.  A good reason to see your RD/CDE would include:

1)  Poor diabetes control

2)  Too many low blood sugars

3)  Increase or decrease in exercise

4)  Difficulty following the meal plan

5)  Need to gain or lose weight

6)  Changes in your insulin regimen or oral medication changes

7)  Pregnancy, growth needs, elevated cholesterol or lipid levels, other medical conditions requiring dietary change

8)  Change in work situation requiring meal changes

9)  Travel Needs