Kristen Ramos
MS, RD, LD
Habla Español
Licensed in TX
Nutrition Counseling for Diabetes & Insulin Resistance
In the United States, more than 37 million adults have been diagnosed with diabetes and 1 in 5 are unaware they have it. Establishing a team of healthcare providers early is important to avoid long-term complications. Of the several types of diabetes, nutrition is the cornerstone in the successful management of the disease.
Our diabetes dietitians will help you recognize high and low blood sugar symptoms, reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related complications, develop positive diabetes self-care behavior, and more. Whether you are at risk of or have developed diabetes, we are here to help along the way!
How Can a Dietitian Help with Diabetes?
Recognize symptoms and manage blood sugars.
Develop a positive relationship with food.
Monitor carbohydrate intake to optimize blood sugars.
Use oral medications and/or insulin by syringe, pen, or pump.
Monitor blood sugars using a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor.
Develop positive diabetes self-care behaviors.
Collaborate with your support system.
Reduce risk of developing diabetes-related complications.
Postpartum health.
Prevention of diabetes after GDM.
Recognize symptoms and manage blood sugars.
Develop a positive relationship with food.
Monitor carbohydrate intake to optimize blood sugars.
Use oral medications and/or insulin by syringe, pen, or pump.
Monitor blood sugars using a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor.
Develop positive diabetes self-care behaviors.
Collaborate with your support system.
Reduce risk of developing diabetes-related complications.
Postpartum health.
Prevention of diabetes after GDM.
Common Forms of Diabetes We Treat
Insulin Resistance
Normally, glucose (sugar) is metabolized from the blood into the cell by a hormone called insulin that is released from the pancreas. When there is insulin resistance, the cell is resistant to insulin from damage to the cell’s receptors, resulting in high blood sugar. Over time, insulin resistance can worsen, leading to prediabetes.
Pre-Diabetes
As insulin resistance progresses, blood sugars continue to remain high and there is increased damage to the cell resulting in pre-diabetes. If lifestyle changes are not implemented, prediabetes can eventually turn into type 2 diabetes due to a progressive decrease in insulin production.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas stops producing insulin. It usually develops in children and adolescents, but it can happen at any age. A person with type 1 diabetes needs insulin therapy throughout their entire life.
Type 2 Diabetes
If lifestyle changes are not implemented, pre-diabetes can eventually turn into type 2 diabetes due to a progressive decrease in insulin production.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a result of insulin resistance and is typically diagnosed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Controlling blood sugar during pregnancy can prevent type 2 diabetes in both mother and baby and reduce the mother’s risk of developing additional complications at birth.
Our Diabetes Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialists
Alejandra Amezola-Velazquez
MS, RD, LD
Habla Español
Licensed in TX
Business Development RDII
Daysy Bustamante
RD, LD
Habla Español
Licensed in IL & TX
Danielle McAdoo
RD, LD, CDCES
Licensed in TX
Scarlett Chaidez
MCN, RD, LD
Licensed in TX & AR
Senior Dietitian
Diana Figueroa
RD, LD
Habla Español
Licensed in TX
Business Development Manager
FAQs About Nutrition Counseling for Diabetes
Many insurance plans will cover nutrition counseling for diabetes as a preventative or medical service. Depending on your plan, you may pay $0 out of pocket or be responsible for standard copays or deductibles. We’re in-network with most major insurance brands, and you can verify your benefits here!
We offer in-person appointments at our offices in Texas (Austin, Fort Worth, North Dallas, and Southlake) and Illinois (Chicago). We also provide telehealth services in several states, including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Although it varies case by case, diabetes can cause several complications over time. Potential complications include kidney damage (nephropathy), heart disease, nerve damage (neuropathy), eye damage (retinopathy), foot problems, or increased risk of infections. Personalized nutrition counseling, medication management, and lifestyle changes can help you reduce these risks.
Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong management, but Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance can be vastly improved or put into remission through lifestyle changes. While not a complete reversal or cure, blood sugar levels return to a non-diabetic range.
Your first nutrition counseling appointment typically lasts about 55-85 minutes and is all about getting to know you, setting goals, and building your understanding through personalized education. You’ll talk to your dietitian about your medical history, current meal patterns, relationship with food, and goals with diabetes management.
Getting started is simple! You can complete our request counseling form so we can get to know you more and pair you with a dietitian, or you can book directly if you already know which dietitian you’d like to work with.
Diabetes Nutrition Resources
Note: This page is not meant to be a diagnosis tool.
