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:
Self-management Training and Medical Nutrition Therapy is covered by Medicare (it’s free). What’s covered?
- Help people with pre-diabetes
- Prevention
- Improve performance in sports and exercise
- Assist people with eating disorders (eg, anorexia, bulimia, obesity)
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.
Last updated on 10/29/2013

Next:
Making Sense of Guidelines and Targets in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes