My client’s posture dropped as if she had shrunk 2 inches. Her eyes fell away from my desk, and her voice softened when she said, “I failed.” I’ve seen this scenario play out many times in my office while reviewing lab results with my patients who have diabetes. Too often, they relate their lab results, […]
When I first became an RD, I worked with adults and children newly diagnosed with diabetes in a hospital setting. I’d teach them the diabetes exchange system, which often would leave them confused; if I returned to review the materials, usually they already had been discharged from the hospital. Fast-forward 20 years later, and now […]
Rose was recently diagnosed with diabetes, so she made an appointment to talk with Sally, an RD. Rose has been feeling tired and attributed it to the fact she was about to turn 70, not thinking that it could be attributed to her diabetes, diet, or other lifestyle habits. According to the American Diabetes Association, […]
How can dietitians inspire people with diabetes to invest in their health? One way to do this is by getting involved in worksite wellness programs for diabetes. These programs can be powerful conduits through which RDs can foster healthful behavior change to improve diabetes management. They provide a way to meet people with diabetes right […]
Holidays can be stressful for those living with diabetes. In general, most people want to prepare their family favorites so they can be a special part of holiday celebrations. However, the social and dietary implications of holiday eating can make clients with diabetes feel uncomfortable and left out of the fun. When working with patients […]
Diabetes is a challenging diagnosis for anyone, one that requires changes to many aspects of daily life. But when a child is diagnosed, it’s especially difficult—not only for the child but also his or her family. As educators, dietitians can help children with diabetes and family members take control and develop a lifestyle that includes […]
Welcome Trista Sutter to the RD Lounge (RDL)! Trista was the runner-up on the first season of the ABC reality television show The Bachelor before becoming the original star of its companion show The Bachelorette. Watched by more than 30 million viewers, she accepted Ryan Sutter’s proposal on the finale, and they were married on […]
I teach carbohydrate counting to most of my patients with type 2 diabetes. For some, the simple plate method of meal planning is all they need. However, most benefit from combining various meal planning techniques. And that means quantifying the amount of carbohydrates in various foods. I struggle to help them grasp that one food […]
Often, patients come to us feeling guilty about their food choices and lifestyle habits. Though guilt rarely is a helpful emotion, remorseful clients can be wonderful to work with when they’re ready to make significant lifestyle changes. But what should we do when clients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes are so motivated to reverse […]
How cool is this? Today’s Dietitian’s RD Lounge! I am so excited about this blog—a place where I can read about and solicit the opinions and insights of my fellow colleagues. In fact, I’m interested in your opinion on the controversy surrounding low-carbohydrate diets for people with diabetes. In the August 2016 issue of Today’s […]
