The Role of a Dietitian in Managing Diabetes

In honour of National Diabetes Week – 13 to 19 July 2025

Living with diabetes can be overwhelming, but with the right support, it’s absolutely manageable. Dietitians play a crucial role in guiding individuals through evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle strategies that can help stabilise blood sugar, improve overall wellbeing, and reduce the risk of complications. Whether newly diagnosed or navigating life with long-term diabetes, a dietitian’s support can be life-changing.

Why National Diabetes Week Matters

National Diabetes Week is a timely reminder of the importance of support and education when it comes to managing diabetes. With the condition affecting more Australians every year, access to practical, expert-led guidance is essential.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024):

• 1 in 20 Australians (5.1% or just over 1.3 million people) were living with diagnosed diabetes in 2021, including type 1, type 2, and other forms (excluding gestational diabetes).
  
• 1 in 5 Australians aged 80–84 were living with diabetes, nearly 30 times the rate seen in those under 40.
  
• Men were 1.3 times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than women (age-adjusted).
  

These statistics highlight the growing need for accessible and tailored support across all stages of life.

How Dietitians Help Manage Diabetes

Dietitians play a vital role in supporting people living with diabetes. Through both one-on-one consults and bulk billed type 2 diabetes group sessions, we offer real-life strategies to help manage blood sugar levels and improve long-term health.

At Holistic Me, we guide clients using personalised education and achievable nutrition strategies that fit into real life.

Topics We Cover Include:

• Understanding how the pancreas and insulin work, and how diabetes disrupts these systems
  
• Managing blood sugar levels with diet and lifestyle
  
• Meeting nutrition requirements and balancing key food groups, including healthy fats and proteins
  
• Learning how to read food labels for smarter supermarket shopping
  
• Making healthy food swaps and easy recipe tweaks
  
• Choosing healthier takeaway options
  
• Setting realistic goals and building long-term, sustainable habits
  
• Practising mindful eating strategies
  
• Exploring the Mediterranean diet, a heart-friendly, diabetes-supportive way of eating

Supporting Whole-Body Health

In addition to diabetes-specific education, we offer support for weight management and associated chronic health concerns such as:

• High blood pressure
  
• High cholesterol
  
• Fatty liver disease
  

These conditions often occur alongside or contribute to type 2 diabetes, making comprehensive care essential.

You Don’t Have to Manage It Alone

This National Diabetes Week, we encourage anyone living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes to reach out to a dietitian.
You deserve support that’s:

• Personalised
  
• Practical
  
• Based on evidence
  
• Delivered with compassion
  

Holistic Me is here to help you take control of your health with knowledge, confidence, and ongoing care. Whether you’re seeking one-on-one nutrition advice or looking to join our bulk billed diabetes group sessions, we’re ready to support you every step of the way.

Written by Courtney Kluge, APD 

Headings for Newsletter 

National Diabetes Week 2025 | 13–19th July 

Subheading: In support of National Diabetes Week, we are highlighting the practical and individualised role dietitians play in managing diabetes.