Q: How do I find a registered dietitian? 
A: The best way to find a registered dietitian in your area is to start by searching the referral network from the American Dietetic Association. If you don't find anyone that way, then ask around-your doctor, other health care professionals, friends and relative, or look up dietitian or nutritionist in the yellow pages. Make sure you seek the services of a RD.

Q: How do I find a registered dietitian with expertise in diabetes? 
A: The best way to find a registered dietitian with expertise in diabetes is to find an American Diabetes Association Recognized Diabetes Education program near you. If you don't find one near by, go to the American Association of Diabetes Educators website. If you don't find anyone that way, then ask around-your doctor, other health care professionals, friends and relative, or look up dietitian or nutritionist in the yellow pages. 

Q: Will my health plan cover nutrition and/or diabetes education?
A: Traditionally nutrition counseling has not been covered by health plans. However, the frequency and amount of coverage for nutrition and/or diabetes counseling, also known as medical nutrition therapy, has and continues to change, for the better. More and more private insurance policies and managed care plans will cover or provide nutrition counseling because they have evidence that it is cost effective. 

To find out for sure, call the 800 number on your health plan card to ask if they cover this benefit. Ask if you need a referral from your doctor. Health plans often require a written referral to document "medical necessity." Also ask if there are certain dietitians you must go to in order to have your insurer cover the sessions and how many sessions they cover. 

You may well have to be your own advocate to get nutrition counseling covered by your health plan. A letter from your doctor and dietitian may help a long with a letter written by you stating how your situation has improved with nutrition counseling. If you do not have a health plan that covers nutrition counseling or no health plan at all, then the choice is yours whether to reach into your pocket and pay for nutrition counseling. It will be money well spent and not that expensive relative to medications, hospitalizations, or even a restaurant meal. A nutrition counseling session varies widely from about $50 to $150. Some dietitians offer a package that includes a number of sessions. 

Q: I've been on diet after diet and I just keep losing and gaining the same 10 pounds. Any suggestions?
A: It's time to throw out the "on a diet, off a diet" mentality. If you want to achieve permanent weight loss you will need to firstly recognized that this is hard work, and secondly, it takes a long term commitment. Weight does not come off overnight. Take a two pronged approach and do it step by step. Think of three changes you can make to decrease your calorie intake. Then think of three changes you can make to burn more calories. Implement these changes and let them slowly become part of your healthier lifestyle. Once they are consistent behaviors, find a few more ways to lessen calorie intake and burn more calories. Over time you will shed pounds and keep them off forever!

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