Meal Planning in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

The value of lifestyle modification and professional guidance from a Registered Dietician (RD) is examined in Meal Planning in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association), RDs benefit communities in many ways, including:

• Help people with pre-diabetes
• Prevention
• Improve performance in sports and exercise
• Assist people with eating disorders (eg, anorexia, bulimia, obesity)

Medicare Benefits Diabetes
Self-management Training and Medical Nutrition Therapy is covered by Medicare (it’s free). What’s covered?

• Newly diagnosed diabetics receive 10 hours of Diabetes Self-management Training and 3 hours of Medical Nutrition Therapy the first year.
• All subsequent years: 2 hours of each.

It is imperative that patients take advantage of these benefits because diabetes changes and so will meal planning.

Not Covered by Medicaid or Medicare
Affordability is a concern of patients who are not covered by Medicaid or Medicare. Patients with other health insurance need to find out what their provider covers and if co-pays are required.

• As a rule of thumb, the out-of-pocket cost to consult with a RD is usually the cost of dinner for two.
• Even one visit is beneficial.
• There are many free resources for patients. For example, the American Diabetes Association Expos provide patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes opportunities to speak with RDs.

Concept of Meal Planning by RDs

• Meal planning is all about individualization. One size does not fit all.
• The standard handout provided by the primary care physician is not sufficient for the short- or long-term.
• RDs help structure meal plans from what the patient likes to eat.
• RDs address cultural differences.
• Assist patients with eating and lifestyle modification.
• How to cook at home and eat out.