5 minutes read
Diabetes
Evidence Based
An image of the Author and Top Nutrition Coaching nutritionist, Nicolette
Nicolette Star Maggiolo, RD, LDN

What Is a Diabetes Nutritionist?

5 minutes read
Diabetes
Evidence Based
An image of the Author and Top Nutrition Coaching nutritionist, Nicolette
Nicolette Star Maggiolo, RD, LDN

What Is a Diabetes Nutritionist?

An image of the Author and Top Nutrition Coaching nutritionist, Nicolette
Nicolette Star Maggiolo, RD, LDN

What Is a Diabetes Nutritionist?

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Receiving a diabetes diagnosis can be scary and overwhelming. With all the life adjustments you must make, it can often feel like your world is turning upside down. Living with diabetes usually means checking your blood sugar levels regularly, making healthy food choices, and staying physically active, among many other factors. As if that wasn't enough, you also may be concerned about developing other health complications such as cardiovascular disease, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, and paying for your diabetes medication. 

Thankfully, there are ways to remove some of that stress from your life. You can talk to family and friends, take time for the activities you enjoy, and tackle one health issue at a time. 

One of the best ways to assuage your diabetes-related worries is to consult a diabetes nutritionist. This article will outline what a diabetes nutritionist is and the benefits of working with a diabetes nutritionist. We'll also discuss which individuals are ideal candidates to work with a diabetes nutritionist, so you can decide whether this is the right choice. 

An image of healthy cooking

Diabetes and nutrition 

Diabetes is a chronic health condition affecting how your body converts food into energy. 

Most of the food you consume gets broken down into glucose, which is released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar increases, this is a sign that it's time for your pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin unlocks your cells' ability to let blood sugar in for use as energy. 

When you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin as well as it should. People with diabetes have too much blood sugar in their bloodstream, which can ultimately cause health problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, and vision loss. 

What people with diabetes eat dramatically impacts their health. A healthy, diabetes-friendly diet can help promote healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It can also help with controlling high blood pressure and reaching a desirable weight. However, even when you have the best intentions about taking care of your health, it can be daunting to know which foods to eat, at which times, and in which quantities. This is especially true when you have the stress of diabetes in your daily life.

This is where diabetes nutritionists come in. They'll help you understand which nutritious foods are the best for your specific needs, and they'll help you adjust to appropriate portion sizes and a good meal schedule. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) specializing in diabetes has specialized training in designing healthy eating plans that consider a complex array of health, nutrition, and lifestyle factors. They'll work with you to develop an in-depth knowledge of the best nutrition practices for your body.

What does a diabetes nutritionist do?

There are many services that a diabetes nutritionist can provide to help you manage diabetes and related health conditions. A diabetes nutritionist will talk to you about your current eating habits and diet, so they can get a baseline of where you are in your health journey. From there, a diabetes nutritionist will help you set realistic goals for your wellbeing. These health goals will not always be food-focused but may relate to other ways you can stay healthy. Whether that's implementing a regular exercise regime or staying hydrated every day, there are many ways you can stay on top of your health. 

A diabetes nutritionist will also help you develop a personal nutrition plan. Creating your nutrition plan will not simply involve your nutritionist telling you what to eat. Instead, it will be a collaborative process. Although people with diabetes have to live with some dietary limitations, this doesn't mean that mealtimes have to be boring or unpleasant. After all, tasty foods and a healthy diet are not mutually exclusive. A diabetes nutritionist can help you develop a healthy food plan that appeals to your personal preferences. 

What is the difference between a diabetes nutritionist and a diabetes dietitian?

Diabetes dietitians and diabetes nutritionists are professionals who focus on how a diabetes diet can improve your overall health. While both are considered healthcare professionals, they are not necessarily the same, even though people often use the terms "dietitian" and "nutritionist" interchangeably.

A registered dietitian specializes in dietetics, a field that focuses on diet and its impact on health. Dietitians most commonly work with clients grappling with a medical condition who need to alter their diet accordingly. Dietitians will also work with individuals working towards specific health objectives, such as weight loss goals. Dietitians most commonly work in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities but sometimes teach at universities. 

All dietitians must have a bachelor's degree, supervised professional experience, and successful completion of the national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Unlike registered dietitians, nutritionists may have varying levels of expertise and experience. This is because anyone interested in nutrition can call themself a nutritionist – there are no official requirements to use the term. Thus, all registered dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians.

While many nutrition professionals who use the term "nutritionist" have advanced degrees and have completed the appropriate certification to become certified nutrition specialists, others may have no professional training. Therefore, if you plan on working with a nutritionist, assessing their level of expertise and experience before committing to their services is essential.

An image of a woman carrying a basket of fresh food

What are the credentials of a diabetes nutritionist?

A certified nutrition specialist (CNS) is the most advanced certification for personalized nutrition practitioners. A CNS must undergo several training steps before receiving this qualification. 

Earn a bachelor's degree

A certified nutrition specialist must have a bachelor's degree. This bachelor's degree will typically include courses in food and nutrition services, food service systems management, business, economics, computer science, sociology, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry. 

Supervised experience

Once an individual has earned a bachelor's degree in a related field, they can get hands-on nutrition experience in a professional setting. A CNS-in-training will typically gain this experience at an accredited or supervised practice program at a health care facility, community agency, or food service corporation. 

Pass a national test

The last step an individual must take before becoming a CNS is passing a national test administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Candidates who have completed at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice and are committed to understanding the theoretical aspects of nutrition have the best chance of passing this exam. After successfully passing the test, the nutritionist must acquire the appropriate registration and licensure for the state where they plan to practice.

Further professional education

A certified nutrition specialist must complete professional educational requirements to stay licensed and registered. To remain current and up to date as a diabetes nutritionist, additional training is expected, such as taking a course and becoming a certified diabetes educator (CDE).

What are the benefits of working with a diabetes nutritionist?

There are many benefits of working with a diabetes nutritionist. Here are some of the most significant ones. 

Teach the basics

If you've never worked with a diabetes nutritionist, you most likely acquired your knowledge of diabetes from various health websites. A diabetes nutritionist is not only a healthcare expert but also an educator. Part of their professional role is to educate you about the relationship between nutrition, lifestyle, and diabetes and dispel myths about the illness. 

After regularly consulting with a nutrition professional, you will feel empowered to manage your health by confidently grocery shopping, understanding nutrition labels, and preparing tasty meals. 

Clear up confusion

One of the most important things you will do with your diabetes nutritionist is to develop a personalized meal plan. This nutrition plan will cover all aspects of your eating habits, including what, when, and how often you should eat. 

However, there will be times when you want to eat something that you haven't discussed with your nutrition specialist. For instance, if you are planning to go out to dinner with friends, you may be wondering which menu items are the healthiest choices for a diabetic diet. Consulting your diabetes nutritionist will give you the peace of mind that you are making the best ordering choices.

Learning about your nutrition needs is a gradual process – you will not absorb this information all at once. In the meantime, your nutritionist can be your go-to resource when you are in a bind. 

Live a fulfilling life with diabetes

People with diabetes are not destined for a life filled with boring and bland meals. By getting creative and thinking outside the box, your everyday meals can be enjoyable and healthy experiences. Your diabetes nutritionist can help you achieve this by providing cooking tips, meal prep guidance, recipe modifications, and snack ideas. 

An image of healthy food

Am I a good candidate to work with a diabetes nutritionist?

If you are living with diabetes, you will almost certainly benefit from working with a diabetes nutritionist. Here are a few individuals who should strongly consider working with an expert. If you fall into one of these categories, it might be time to search for a “nutritionist near me”! 

Gestational diabetes 

Every year, 2% to 10% of pregnancies in the United States are affected by gestational diabetes. This type of diabetes occurs when pregnant women do not have enough insulin to support their growing baby as their bodies and hormones change. Pregnant women who do not control their gestational diabetes can develop complications with their pregnancy. To avoid this, expecting mothers often seek out the support of diabetes nutritionists. Diabetes nutritionists can help guide you through healthy eating, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy. Sometimes, you may need to consult your doctor for additional help, such as prescription medication. 

Pre-diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you have high blood glucose levels, but they are not high enough to meet the criteria for type 2 diabetes. Individuals with pre-diabetes can significantly benefit from the help of a diabetes nutritionist. Consulting with an expert may make the difference in ultimately avoiding a diabetes diagnosis. A nutritionist can help you make the necessary changes and control your blood glucose levels through healthy eating, physical activity, and medications. 

Newly-diagnosed type 1 and type 2 diabetes

If you are living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you can significantly benefit from the help of a registered nutritionist. In just one session, a nutritionist can help you develop a daily meal plan that factors in your medication, the foods you like, and how active you are. 

Depending on your progress and health, you will probably have several follow-up visits in subsequent months. However, many individuals with diabetes experience notable changes in their health after three to five appointments in the first six months after diagnosis. 

Still not sure? Read more about what a diabetes nutritionist does here. Diabetes nutritionists are on standby to meet you! Get matched with a diabetes nutritionist - take the quiz.
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Nicolette Star Maggiolo, RD, LDN
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Top Nutrition Coaching’s Annual Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship

Scholarship award: $1000
The Top Nutrition Coaching First-Gen Futures Scholarship is a quarterly recurring scholarship open to all first-generation students whose parents did not receive a four-year bachelor’s degree. The next deadline to apply is October  1, and winners will be announced on October 31.
Learn More
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About the first-gen futures scholarship

Scholarship award available for both college and high school students
Being the first in your family to attend college is an inspiring feat, often with its own unique challenges. First-generation students may not have the same guidance in navigating parts of the higher education system as other students, such as the application process, obtaining financial aid, and even what to expect in college itself.

Financial constraints can also be a significant roadblock for such students, which may limit their choices, force them to balance jobs, family responsibilities, and school work all at once, and make the college experience much more stressful.

Despite these struggles, first-generation college students have proven time and again to be extremely resilient, determined, and hard-working. They embody a spirit of ambition and perseverance as they work toward creating the future they want for themselves and their families.

The First-Gen Futures Scholarship aims to recognize and support exceptional students who are overcoming the barriers of being the first in their families to attend college. By providing financial assistance to deserving individuals, we seek to alleviate some financial stress so that these students can focus more on their studies.

Previous Top Nutrition Coaching scholarship winners

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Mayci H.
Awarded:
$500
On:
October 12, 2022
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Jordan C.
Awarded:
$500
On:
December 20, 2022
The image shows a profile icon of a young Caucasian woman with long blonde hair, smiling. She has a badge overlay, suggesting she is a student who has received a scholarship. The badge includes a medal symbol to signify achievement or honor.
Bethanie S.
Awarded:
$500
On:
December 27, 2022
Romeo G.
Awarded:
$500
On:
February 8, 2023
The image displays a profile icon of a young Caucasian man with curly brown hair, dressed in a dark suit and tie. He is smiling and standing outdoors, with greenery in the background. He also features a badge overlay indicating that he is a scholarship recipient, complete with a medal symbol to highlight his achievement.
Ian C.
Awarded:
$500
On:
December 28, 2022
The image features a profile icon of a young Black man wearing a suit and tie, with an afro hairstyle. He has a badge icon overlay, indicating that he is a student who has won a scholarship. The badge includes a medal symbol, typically used to represent achievement or honor.
Kristopher W.
Awarded:
$500
On:
December 14, 2022
Scholarship details:
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Amount: $1,000
Winner Announcement Date: October 31
Recurring: Quarterly
Read FAQ
6
Scholarships Awarded
6
Winners
$6,000
Total Awards
Eligibility requirements:
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To qualify for this scholarship, please review the following eligibility criteria carefully. Ensure you meet these requirements prior to submitting your application.
A first-generation college student (meaning neither of their parents has obtained a four-year college degree)
A high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
Applicant must be a current U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
How to Apply:
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You can apply for this scholarship on the Bold.org scholarship platform. Follow the directions and submit your application for the First-Gen Futures Scholarship, along with a short essay answering the following prompts:
Why have you chosen to pursue higher education?
How have you prepared yourself for college as a first-generation student?
Scholarship frequently asked questions:
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When is the scholarship deadline?
The application will be open through October 1.
What is the scholarship prize? 
The scholarship award is $1,000.
When will the winner be chosen and notified?
Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. Recipients will be chosen based on the merit of their application. 
How will the scholarship be paid?
The prize check will be sent to the scholarship winner’s college institution in their name and in the name of their institution (depending on the school’s requirements).
Is this a recurring scholarship?
Yes, the First-Gen Futures Scholarship is a quarterly scholarship.
How will my scholarship application be verified?
A high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
How can I get in touch with questions?
If you have any questions about this scholarship, please email hello@topnutritioncoaching.com, and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.
How will my application information be used?
Top Nutrition Coaching manages this scholarship with the support of the Bold.org scholarship platform. Bold.org takes student confidentiality and privacy incredibly seriously. Please refer to the application page on Bold.org for full details.

Top Nutrition Coaching’s Annual Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship

Scholarship award: $1000
The Top Nutrition Coaching Annual Hero's Legacy Scholarship is open to any high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who is a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident and the child of at least one parent who has served in the U.S. military. The next deadline to apply is April 1st, 2025, and winners will be announced on May 1st, 2025.
Learn More
A family outdoors: a boy, a smiling woman, a man in military attire with a toddler, and a grinning young man.

About the Annual Hero's Legacy Scholarship

Scholarship award available for both college and high school students
Military families embody resilience, strength, and unwavering support for their loved ones in uniform. There are many overlooked sacrifices they make that should be recognized and rewarded. Military families endure extended deployments, adjust to new environments, and face uncertainty on a frequent basis.

The children of military families often adapt to new schools and environments, embodying the values of adaptability and perseverance, and experience the emotional toll of their loved one being deployed in dangerous situations.

The Heroes' Legacy Scholarship is a tribute to the extraordinary dedication and sacrifice of military families who stand alongside their loved ones in service to our country. Unfortunately, there are many struggles that military families endure while a parent or guardian serves in the armed forces.

In recognition of the burden higher education can place on military families, this scholarship seeks to give back to these dedicated families to honor their sacrifices.

Any high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who is a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident and the child of at least one parent who has served in the U.S. military may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us about your experience as the child of a military parent.

Previous Top Nutrition Coaching scholarship winners

The image features a profile icon of a young Caucasian woman with long blonde hair, styled in loose waves. She is wearing makeup with prominent lipstick and is smiling. She has a badge overlay indicating that she is a scholarship recipient, marked by a medal symbol to denote achievement or honor.
Mayci H.
Awarded:
$500
On:
October 12, 2022
The image depicts a profile icon of a Caucasian woman with shoulder-length blonde hair. She has a friendly smile and is wearing what appears to be a white top. She also has a badge overlay indicating that she is a scholarship recipient, which includes a medal icon to symbolize her achievement.
Jordan C.
Awarded:
$500
On:
December 20, 2022
The image shows a profile icon of a young Caucasian woman with long blonde hair, smiling. She has a badge overlay, suggesting she is a student who has received a scholarship. The badge includes a medal symbol to signify achievement or honor.
Bethanie S.
Awarded:
$500
On:
December 27, 2022
Romeo G.
Awarded:
$500
On:
February 8, 2023
The image displays a profile icon of a young Caucasian man with curly brown hair, dressed in a dark suit and tie. He is smiling and standing outdoors, with greenery in the background. He also features a badge overlay indicating that he is a scholarship recipient, complete with a medal symbol to highlight his achievement.
Ian C.
Awarded:
$500
On:
December 28, 2022
The image features a profile icon of a young Black man wearing a suit and tie, with an afro hairstyle. He has a badge icon overlay, indicating that he is a student who has won a scholarship. The badge includes a medal symbol, typically used to represent achievement or honor.
Kristopher W.
Awarded:
$500
On:
December 14, 2022
Scholarship details:
A white icon of a plus sign within a circle, used as a button to expand content.
Amount: $1,000
Winner Announcement Date: May 1st, 2025
Recurring: Quarterly
Read FAQ
6
Scholarships Awarded
6
Winners
$6,000
Total Awards
Eligibility requirements:
A white icon of a plus sign within a circle, used as a button to expand content.
To qualify for this scholarship, please review the following eligibility criteria carefully. Ensure you meet these requirements prior to submitting your application.
Family Background: At least one parent has served in the U.S. military
A high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
Applicant must be a current U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
How to Apply:
A white icon of a plus sign within a circle, used as a button to expand content.
You can apply for this scholarship on the Bold.org scholarship platform. Follow the directions and submit your application for Annual Hero's Legacy Scholarship, along with a short essay answering the following prompts:
Why have you chosen to pursue higher education?
How have you prepared yourself for college as a first-generation student?
Scholarship frequently asked questions:
A white icon of a plus sign within a circle, used as a button to expand content.
When is the scholarship deadline?
The application deadline is April 1st, 2025. Winners will be announced on May 1st, 2025.
What is the scholarship prize? 
The scholarship award is $1,000.
When will the winner be chosen and notified?
Your privacy is a top priority on the Bold.org platform, and you can find our privacy policy in full here. You may opt out of communications from Bold.org at any time, and unless we’ve first notified you and gotten your consent, you’ll never receive communication from any third parties related to personal information you give us.
How will the scholarship be paid?
Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's academic institution or future academic institution in their name to be applied to their tuition, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school's requirements). If the award is for a qualified educational non-tuition expense, we will work with the winner directly to distribute the award and make sure it goes towards qualified expenses.
Is this a recurring scholarship?
Yes, the Hero's Legacy Scholarship is a  Annual scholarship.
How will my scholarship application be verified?
Before we award the scholarship, the winner will be required to confirm their academic enrollment status. Depending on the circumstances, verification of Student ID and/or their most recent transcript will be required.
How can I get in touch with questions?
If you have any questions about this scholarship, please email hello@topnutritioncoaching.com, and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.
How will my application information be used?
Top Nutrition Coaching manages this scholarship with the support of the Bold.org scholarship platform. Bold.org takes student confidentiality and privacy incredibly seriously. Please refer to the application page on Bold.org for full details.