Nutritionist or Dietician – Who Do Diabetic Patients Need?

One of the primary ways to control diabetes is following a healthy lifestyle. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you would want to maintain a healthy diet, exercise, and take the necessary medication. Your doctor may have asked you to contact a nutritionist in OKC who can help you.

However, you are more familiar with the term dietician than a nutritionist. Is there a difference between these two? Let us find out. 

Who Is A Nutritionist?

To answer your question in a single word, nutritionists have studied and received training in nutrition. 

So, if you have searched for ‘find a nutritionist near me,’ you would see people with a broad spectrum of knowledge. While some nutritionists have acquired bachelor’s degrees, some hold a Master’s degree or higher than that. 

However, some individuals call themselves nutritionists who have yet to acquire formal education. Since being a nutritionist does not have regulated laws, people without a degree can also become nutritionists. 

So, it is you who should be careful when you are contacting a nutritionist for consultation. You can ask a few questions to understand whether the person is an authentic and educated nutritionist. Here are a few points about which you need to raise a query:

  • A formal degree

  • A certification

  • Practical training

  • Specialization (specialized to provide care for you as a diabetic patient)

  • Experience with similar patients with diabetes

  • Positive reviews of such clients

Can a Nutritionist Help You?

Since trained nutritionists know what food items are allowed for diabetic patients like you, they can help you with a diet chart. You should look for a nutritionist who has been in the industry for a long and has treated patients like you successfully. You can also look for a free online nutritionist who offers one session for free to talk about your doubts. 

Who Is A Dietician?

Dieticians have acquired extensive training to gain expertise in food and nutrition. Dieticians must complete their training and receive degrees, such as bachelor’s degrees or master’s degrees. 

Also, most dieticians have received hands-on training on how to provide nutrition therapy based on your illness. The dieticians will review the type of your diabetes and your routine, including your food habit and exercise practices, to assess your nutritional status. Based on the findings, they will provide you with a nutrition plan that is customized as per your lifestyle and goal. 

Is a Dietician What You Need?

A dietician can, of course, help you with controlling your diabetes. Like how you would identify whether a nutritionist is trustworthy, you should ask the dietician the same questions and decide for yourself. 

What Should You Do?

Whether you would visit a nutritionist or a dietician is up to you. However, both professionals can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet. Metro Family Therapy has the best dietician and nutritionist in OKC. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your requirements.   

**Disclaimer: Content posted here is not intended as medical advice and constitutes no patient relationship or medical treatment.