By Adam Garcia
First and foremost, it is important to understand that we at DIABETIC COOKBOOK BLOG are not experts in the Medical or Legal fields. We hold no advanced training in these areas. You must consult with a Medical or Legal professional before utilizing the information here.
With that in mind, let us compare the differences between a nutritionist, a dietitian, and a clinical diabetes educator. We will also discuss how they are important to your healthcare team.
First, a nutritionist, a nutritionist is a person who is trained or an expert in the field of nutrition. Nutrition, of course, is the process by which organisms take in and utilize food material. Good nutrition can help prevent disease and promote health. They will help you by providing a proper diabetic meal plan and showing you the amounts and sizes (usually by weight) of food needed in order to sustain your body. This is just one of the many services they provide.
A dietitian is a person specializing in dietetics. Dietetics is the study of nutrition as it relates to health. It is also called sitology. A dietitian provides diets in order to promote good health.
It is important to note that these first two professionals can be the same person; however, this is not always the case. It is possible to find these fields of study separated into different people. Many chefs are nutritionists, but they are not dietitians.
A Clinical Diabetes Educator (CDE) is one who provides medical nutritional therapy and education to patients with diabetes, pre diabetes, disease processes related to cholesterol, renal, and endocrine disorders. The Clinical Diabetes Educator also works collaboratively with the treating physician to manage and monitor treatment and the response to therapy. The CDE also provides ongoing education and consultation to nursing and other ambulatory staff, supports and provides physician education, and supports clinicians in hospital and other patient care environments. This position also provides nutritional care and counseling to adults and children on clinician referral and collaborates with the health care team.
The one person you will probably have the most contact with is the latter. It is of great importance that you discuss, in intimate detail, your true feelings with the CDE. They are the ones who will consult with the first two professionals and come up with a complete diet and your diabetic meal plan.
Understand, you will not have to eat Styrofoam and cardboard for the rest of your life. If you feel that you are doing this then please email us and we will recommend several diabetic recipes, diabetic cookbooks, and other references for you to pull resources from in order to discuss it with your health care team. Remember, you can also leave us a comment or question below.
