Supporting Diabetes and Diabetic Conditions
A diagnosis of diabetes or pre-diabetes might arrive as a surprise or perhaps as anticipated but sooner than expected. I have extensive experience in assisting clients coping with various types of diabetes, including type 2, pre-diabetes, gestational, MODY, and LADA diabetes.
Receiving a diagnosis doesn’t mark the culmination of a healthy life; rather, it’s the starting point for taking control of your health and concentrating on the appropriate diet to manage this condition. The right diet can significantly influence diabetes, potentially decelerating its progression.
Navigating NHS guidelines can be bewildering or may lack a personalized and supportive touch. This is precisely why collaborating one-on-one with a nutritionist who can offer comprehensive support can truly make a difference.
Please feel free to schedule a complimentary discovery call to explore how I can best assist you on this journey.
The Food Power Nutrition Approach
Recommended Services & Packages for Supporting Diabetes
Understanding Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: A Nutritional Therapist's Perspective
Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are metabolic disorders that significantly impact an individual’s health and well-being. As a nutritional therapist, it’s essential to comprehend the intricate processes involved in their pathogenesis (factors contributing to the development of the condition), pathophysiology (changes in the body as a consequence of the condition), and metabolic implications. Furthermore, exploring the advantages of nutritional therapy in managing these conditions can provide valuable insights for those seeking a proactive approach to their health.
What happens if: you suffer from these conditions? Prediabetes is a precursor to type 2 diabetes and is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that are not yet in the diabetic range. The pathogenesis of both conditions involves a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Genetics can influence insulin resistance, a key feature of both conditions, where the body’s cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin. Insulin is an hormone, essential for glucose uptake into cells, and when this process is compromised, blood sugar levels rise.
Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, sedentary behavior, and obesity contribute significantly to the development of insulin resistance. Excessive intake of refined sugars and saturated fats, coupled with a lack of physical activity, exacerbates the metabolic dysfunction. Over time, the pancreas struggles to produce enough insulin to overcome insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels characteristic of prediabetes and, eventually, type 2 diabetes.
Metabolic Implications: Both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes have far-reaching metabolic implications. Chronic elevation of blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs throughout the body. This damage increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, kidney dysfunction, nerve damage, and vision problems. Moreover, the systemic inflammation associated with these conditions contributes to a cascade of metabolic disturbances, having an impact of gut health and consequently on nutrient status and absorption as well as impacting many other hormones in the body.
Role of Nutritional Therapy: Nutritional therapy plays a pivotal role in the management of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. As a nutritional therapist, the goal is to empower individuals to make informed dietary choices that support blood sugar regulation and overall metabolic health.
A personalized nutrition plan focuses on:
1. Balanced Macronutrients: Emphasizing a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to optimize energy metabolism and minimize blood sugar fluctuations.
2. Fiber-Rich Foods: Encouraging the consumption of high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, to slow down the absorption of glucose and improve insulin sensitivity.
3. Nutrient-Dense Choices: Prioritizing nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to address underlying nutritional deficiencies and support overall health.
4. Regular Monitoring: Working with clients to establish a routine for monitoring blood sugar levels and adjusting the nutritional plan accordingly.
5. Preserving health: Possibly slowing the progression of the condition to preserve different body systems healthy status.
Advantages of Nutritional Therapy: Engaging with a nutritional therapist offers several advantages in managing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. A personalized approach addresses individual dietary preferences, eventual drug therapy, cultural considerations, and specific health needs. Nutritional therapy goes beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, recognizing the uniqueness of each person’s metabolic profile.
Additionally, nutritional therapy empowers individuals to take an active role in their health. By understanding the impact of food choices on blood sugar levels and overall well-being, individuals can make sustainable lifestyle changes that extend beyond short-term dietary interventions.
In conclusion, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are complex metabolic conditions influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. As a nutritional therapist, the focus is on empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed dietary choices that support blood sugar regulation, overall and metabolic health. The personalized approach of nutritional therapy, coupled with lifestyle modifications, can significantly contribute to the effective management of these conditions and improve the quality of life for individuals at risk or already diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Success Stories
Lucia helped me to manage my diabetes by teaching me about different foods that will help me manage glucose levels, but also by finding tasty recipes and foods i would never have known without using Lucia's service. She was easy to talk to, friendly and always took in to consideration my needs and has helped me with my confidence going forward. Would highly recommend contacting Lucia for nutrition advice and plans. Thank you ! :)
Diabetes
Lucia is lovely and a wealth of knowledge regarding nutrition. I booked a session with her to understand and prepare for a gestational diabetes test in pregnancy as I wanted help with optimising my diet prior to this test. The blood test came back fine, thanks for your help Lucia! Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Lucia to others nor use her services again in the future.
Gestational Diabetes
Without a doubt, a life-changing experience. I have been working with Lucia since February 2022 as I was diagnosed with Diabetes type 2. 5 months later, I have reverted the Diabetes, and have been able to regulate my glucose levels without insulin or any other medication.Lucia has a wealth of knowledge on how to best tackle a nutritional plan, that works in your favour, and is easy to transition into. Her knowledge of the science behind it helps to understand better step by step on why some foods work in certain way, and how it all works holistically.I fully recommend Lucia's Food Power Nutrition to help you find a healthier life.
Diabetes
Living with the uncertainty of prediabetes can be overwhelming, but from the outset, Lucia provided a sense of reassurance and understanding that was truly comforting. What sets Lucia apart is her personalized approach; she took the time to comprehend my individual needs, lifestyle, and concerns, crafting a nutrition plan that was both realistic and tailored to my specific circumstances.
Pre-Diabetes
Facing a diabetes diagnosis at 30 was a shock, but finding Lucia was a game-changer. Her support has been nothing short of incredible. The personalized nutrition plan not only made sense for my lifestyle but also eased the overwhelming surprise of the diagnosis. Lucia explained everything in a way that was easy to understand, offering valuable insights into managing diabetes through nutrition. The ongoing encouragement and thoughtful guidance have been vital in making positive changes. If you're navigating diabetes and need compassionate, tailored support, Lucia is the go-to expert. Highly recommend.
Diabetes
FAQ
What is Nutritional Therapy?
Nutritional therapy is the application of nutrition science in the promotion of health, peak performance and individual care. Nutritional therapy practitioners use a wide range of tools to assess and identify potential nutritional imbalances and understand how these may contribute to an individual’s symptoms and health concerns. This approach allows them to work with individuals to address nutritional balance and help support the body towards maintaining health. Nutritional therapy is recognised as a complementary medicine. It is relevant both for individuals looking to enhance their health and wellbeing and for those with chronic conditions wishing to work with or ‘consult’ a nutritional therapist in collaboration with other suitably qualified healthcare professionals. Practitioners consider each individual to be unique and recommend personalised nutrition and lifestyle programmes rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Practitioners never recommend nutritional therapy as a replacement for medical advice and always refer any client with ‘red flag’ signs or symptoms to their medical professional. They will also frequently work alongside a medical professional and will communicate with other healthcare professionals involved in the client’s care to explain any nutritional therapy programme that has been provided.
What’s the difference between nutritional therapist, nutrition coach and nutritionist?
In the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness, the importance of seeking legit professional guidance for optimal nutrition cannot be overstated. Registered Nutritional Therapists play a pivotal role in promoting well-being by providing personalized and evidence-based nutritional advice. I wanted to explore the significance of consulting a Registered Nutritional Therapist, shedding light on their qualifications (a degree) and the importance of being registered with professional bodies like BANT (British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine) and CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council).
What is the difference between Nutritional Therapists, Nutrition Coaches and Nutritionists?
- Nutritional Therapists:
- Focus: Holistic, addressing underlying health issues.
- Qualifications: Hold a degree in nutritional therapy or a related field.
- Registration: Registered with professional bodies like BANT and CNHC.
- Approach: Personalized, evidence-based recommendations.
- Scope: Work one to one with individuals dealing with specific health concerns.
- Nutrition Coaches:
- Focus: Goal-oriented, often centered on fitness and weight management.
- Qualifications: Vary; it is not a regulated profession and only some may have certifications in coaching or attended courses in
- Registration: Not typically required, but some may hold certifications from coaching organizations.
- Approach: Goal-focused, motivational, and lifestyle-oriented.
- Scope: Assist clients in achieving specific health and fitness goals.
- Nutritionists:
- Focus: General nutrition advice, public health, and community settings.
- Qualifications: Hold a degree in nutrition or a related field.
- Registration: Registered with professional bodies such as the AfN, but not always required.
- Approach: Broad nutrition education and advice, which is not personalised to a 1:1 approach.
- Scope: Work in diverse settings such as public health, research, or education.
In the pursuit of optimal health and receiving personalised and tailored 1:1 advice, consulting a Registered Nutritional Therapist stands out as a wise choice. Their holistic approach, personalised guidance, and commitment to professional standards set them apart. Ensuring that a nutritional therapist is registered with BANT and CNHC adds an extra layer of assurance, highlighting their dedication to excellence, knowledge and high standard of practice.
What is mBANT?
BANT (British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine) is a professional organisation for Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioners and Registered Dietitians which are trained and qualified in clinical practice to meet national standards and work in a one-to-one setting.
BANT practitioner members are required to be registered either with Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) or be statutorily regulated. CNHC holds a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA), an independent body accountable to the UK Parliament. BANT members are also required to meet Continuing Professional Development (CPD) standards.
Being a BANT member highlights the high standard of my training and work practice, reassuring clients of the quality of the consultations and plans I provide at Food Power Nutrition.
How long would it take to see results?
Nutritional Therapy aims to create long lasting change. Those changes will be gradual but definitive, differently from allopathic medicine that aims to suppress symptoms for immediate relief. As each person is unique, also the speed on which results will be obtained is different and this is also impacted by how closely the suggested nutritional and supplemental plan is followed.
Does Food Power Nutrition operates only online?
Food Power provides online consultations via a dedicated platform. Online consultations will be held via telehealth/zoom and can be easily accessed via the client’s “Practice Better” portal. In person consultations will be held on Thursday evenings at Elpis Therapy Rooms, 14 Hanover Square, Mayfair, London W1S 1HN
How can I get in touch with Food Power Nutrition for more information about packages and costs?
Please feel free to ask for information via the contact form, specifying if you wish to be contacted via email or via phone. I am happy to offer a free discovery call to talk through your current health concerns and discuss how we can work together.