Diabetes Dietitian in Chicago, IL

More than 1 million people (12% of adults) in Illinois have been diagnosed with diabetes, according to America’s Health Rankings. If you’re among them, Doherty Nutrition in Chicago can help. To help reduce these numbers, Doherty Nutrition offers counseling sessions that encourage nutritious eating habits and address emotional eating triggers, both of which play an important role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

One of our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists can support and guide you as you regain control of your nutritional health using a holistic approach. We provide counseling services for all forms of diabetes for all residents of the Chicagoland area.

Here's how we can help you.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a condition that develops over time in which cells have reduced insulin sensitivity. As the pancreas tries to keep up with the body’s demand for glucose, it produces the hormone insulin to encourage cells to take up sugars for fuel. The result is that cells become less responsive to these insulin signals as they already have plenty of glucose.

Insulin resistance can lead to complications, including pre-diabetes. Thankfully, it’s reversible. We provide meal support that can help regulate blood sugar and recommend lifestyle changes to improve insulin resistance.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition that affects insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This means the body cannot produce enough, or any, insulin on its own to handle normal blood sugar functions. Type 1 diabetes requires daily injections of insulin to help meet the gaps and allow the body to function normally.

At Doherty Nutrition, our Registered Dietitians can help you learn about what’s happening in your body and how to properly manage the condition. We provide Type 1 diabetes nutrition counseling in Chicago, with expertise on carbohydrate counting to match with insulin dosing at each meal and snack, as well as advice on maintaining an active lifestyle while managing blood sugars.

Pre-Diabetes

Pre-diabetes is the next stage after insulin resistance. Once cells become less responsive to insulin signals from the pancreas, excess sugars are left circulating in the bloodstream.

Even if sugars are less controlled and blood sugar levels increase, pre-diabetes can be managed and even reversed. Personalized counseling sessions with a Registered Dietitian for pre-diabetes in the Chicago area can help lower blood glucose levels.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

GDM is a condition that occurs during pregnancy in women who didn’t have diabetes previously. It’s thought to be related to hormones produced by the placenta, making it more difficult for the body to respond to blood sugars and insulin. If blood sugar levels remain high, the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to keep glucose in check, and gestational diabetes can develop.

You’ll receive tailored assistance and nutrition advice when you visit one of our Chicago-based Registered Dietitians for gestational diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a condition that comes after pre-diabetes. The pancreas has been working hard to produce more and more insulin to compensate for persistently high blood sugar, which comes from insulin resistance. Eventually, it can’t keep up, and your pancreas can no longer bring blood sugar levels back to normal.

As glucose builds up in the bloodstream and the body struggles to circulate the syrup-like blood, complications can arise, including heart disease, blood vessel damage, nerve damage, vision problems, and kidney disease.

T2DM is incurable, but researchers have published evidence of its reversibility. The diabetes dietitians at Doherty Nutrition in Chicago can help you implement personalized nutrition strategies that work with your prescribed medication to manage and decrease blood sugars, helping you avoid health complications.

How We Help

At Doherty Nutrition, we deliver nutritional support through a realistic, evidence-based, and personalized approach. You can access empowering and supportive counseling services at our Chicago office or through convenient virtual sessions.

Here are some steps we’ll take to address high blood glucose levels:

Identify factors affecting blood glucose: Your RD will work closely with you to identify the factors increasing your blood glucose. We’ll ask about your current habits and medical history and help you approach your health from a holistic perspective personalized to your needs.
Collaborate on nutritional goals: We’ll create realistic and attainable goals to help you implement habits that fit your unique lifestyle and address blood sugar concerns.
Discuss macronutrient balance: You’ll learn how balancing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins can promote stable blood sugar levels and support overall health.
Teach you how to track blood sugar and carbs: Your RD will guide you in monitoring carbohydrate intake and measuring blood glucose levels to help you stay on track with your health goals.
Encourage healthy eating habits: We’ll support you in developing sustainable eating behaviors that promote long-term blood sugar control and help you achieve and maintain a healthy A1c level.

Why Should You Consider Us?

Choosing Doherty Nutrition offers various benefits, such as:

Major insurance brands coverage: We accept payments from insurance companies like Cigna, Aetna, Humana, Medicare, Anthem, and Oscar. Clients can also self-pay if they prefer.
Professional care: Our Registered Dietitians are talented and supportive. They can help you better understand your condition and empower you with the right tools to set you up for success. Many people have benefited from our professional care, and you can, too.
A safe environment: We provide a safe, supportive, caring, and inclusive environment to help you meet your nutritional goals and experience enhanced health.
Evidence-based practices: We combine the latest research, our experience, and your individual needs to deliver holistic nutritional guidance.

Get Started With Diabetes Counseling From a Chicago Dietitian

If you have concerns about insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, or any form of diabetes mellitus, Doherty Nutrition can help. Our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists for diabetes in Chicago are on standby, waiting to help you learn how food can be a powerful tool for overall wellness.

Our Diabetes Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialists

Kristen Ramos

MS, RD, LD
Habla Español
Licensed in TX

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

Will my insurance cover 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!

Where are your services offered?

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.

What are the most common complications of diabetes?

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.

Can I reverse diabetes or insulin resistance?

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.

What should I expect during my first appointment with a diabetes dietitian?

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.

How do I book an appointment for nutrition counseling for diabetes?

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.