FAQ
1. What can you do for me that I won't already get from my diabetes team at the hospital?
My goal is not to replace you healthcare team, but to complement them. Diabetes healthcare professionals do a great job with the time and resources they have. My aim is to offer you personalised guidance on nutrition that you would not receive from your healthcare team. I know first hand the challenges you face daily. I will teach you the nuances and the details of how to use nutrition as a your primary tool to achieve optimal blood sugar control. The advice will be tailored to your particular life situation, taking into account any other health issues or challenges you may be facing. I will accompany you to build new habits.
2. Is blood sugar management all you can advise on? What if I have questions about other issues that I have?
While my focus is on blood sugar management - I will always do that in the context of your life and health situation. Each person is unique and the body is infinitely complex. When working to optimise your nutrition for optimal blood sugar control we will simultaneously tailor nutrition to any other health challenges that you may be facing.
3. I want to loose weight. Will I have to count calories and stick to a certain diet?
No. I am not a dietician. You will not be leaving a consultation with a list of how many grams of chicken and broccoli you should eat that week nor have to do any maths. My goal is to teach you how to figure out the optimum level of carbs your body can manage so that it is in a place where weight loss is physiologically possible. The primary goal is optimising nutrition for better health - weight loss will naturally follow. We will be gradually building new habits that will cumulatively make a big impact in the long run.
4. I have T1D. Do I have to count carbs ?
No. It is not necessary and could even add unnecessary stress to everyday life. If you already do that and are a fan, super! If not, I can show you how good control can be achieved without any maths skills!
5. Do you encourage a keto or a low carb diet?
No. I will encourage you to eat the amount of carbs that you can tolerate without your blood sugar rising about normal level. What this looks like for each person is different and depends on where you are at metabolically. The more insulin resistant you are the less carbs you can tolerate. As your metabolism improves you can adjust the amount of carbs accordingly. The devil here is in the detail - the quality and type of carbs also plays a role in how much you tolerate.
6. What is the best way to monitor my blood sugar?
A continuous glucose monitor is by far the tool that will give you the most complete information. Its like watching a movie instead of a snap shot. That said, however, it is not for everyone. If you find that constant monitoring can create anxiety, its best to just use a regular glucose meter and finger prick after certain meals.