Ever since I was diagnosed, my sister, a nurse practitioner, has been on my case to see a nutritionist. I’d always resisted, in part due to laziness, and also because I always thought I know what foods to avoid, so why should I see one?
After seeing my ob/gyn last week, she recommended I see a nutritionist to see if I can get my blood sugars down. John and I made the appointment and went to see one this week. My nutritionist also happens to be a certified diabetes educator so that made me feel a little more confident that she had experience dealing with other women who were pregnant with diabetes. Overall, I found it helpful to see her because she was able to give me some information on what my night time blood sugars should be and how my fasting blood sugar is affected by changing hormones. She also gave me a guideline on the type of food plan I should be on day to day.
I think it would have also been beneficial if a nutritionist asks you the type of foods you like to eat, and tailor your meals around that. She suggested snacks/meal plans that would keep blood sugar down, but to be honest, some of them just didn’t sound appetizing. I think you can see a nutritionist, but to really improve your eating habits, you have to find the healthy foods that you like and stick to it. In short, they can only help you so far, but it’s really on you to make the best choices.
So, my question to you is, do you see a nutritionist and if so, what have they suggested to you that you have found to be the most helfpul in managing your diabetes?
My CDE is also a nutritionist but doesn’t concentrate too much on my foods honestly .. more my patterns and insulin rates. I see her about 4 times a year. The last thing she recommended to me was to have more protein for breakfast to help with higher postprandial numbers. Which has worked somewhat. She never gave me a specific diet to follow or anything like that which I’m glad for.
The last time I had a visit with a CDE or nutritionist was back in 2004. I learned alot from them but I like spice, not bland or boring food. Maybe I might make an appointment just to see what’s changed.
I haven’t seen one since I was first diagnosed. If my antibodies ever get under control I think I would go back to one. My eating habits have gone so downhill in the last two years
Glad you are finding it helpful Gen.