Key Takeaways:
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Nutrition Coaching, guided by registered dietitians, significantly improves health outcomes for individuals with type 2 diabetes — including lower A1C levels, reduced blood pressure, weight loss, and fewer complications.
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MNT goes beyond calorie counting by addressing the roles of macronutrients, micronutrients, and gut health. Personalized adjustments to carb intake, micronutrient levels, and even gut microbiome balance lead to measurable improvements in blood glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity.
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MNT stands out for its individualized, science-based approach. By using behavior change strategies and continuous support, nutrition coaches help clients overcome barriers, stay accountable, and build lasting healthy habits — leading to long-term success in diabetes management.
If you’re like anyone who uses the internet, you have likely seen ads and offers for all kinds of nutrition coaching. It’s popular right now - and with good reason. Nutrition coaching, led by qualified, registered dietitians, can be life-changing. And from our perspective, it can deliver results. Individuals with type 2 diabetes, who enroll and actively participate in medical nutrition therapy, can see:
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Reduced A1C levels.
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Lower blood pressure
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Reduced weight.
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Fewer diabetes-related complications.
And it’s not just one study that gives us this data. In a review of 18 studies that involved the provision of MNT by an RD as a part of treatment for either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, all eight of the randomized controlled trials reviewed demonstrated a positive effect of the program in diabetes management, measured by improvement in A1C levels. Hence, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reports strong support for MNT for individuals with diabetes - as does the American Diabetes Association, stating the “American Diabetes Association (ADA) emphasizes that medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is fundamental in the overall diabetes management”.
So what’s at the core here? Why are we seeing such dramatic results from virtual nutrition coaching? It’s the transfer of knowledge and provision of support that leave a lasting impact. So let’s transfer some of that knowledge and dig into why nutrition improves diabetes management outcomes.
Food is Information
At its core, MNT recognizes that food isn't just fuel; it's a complex source of biochemical information that interacts with our genes, metabolism, and overall physiology. Every nutrient, from macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to micronutrients like vitamins and minerals, plays a specific role in countless bodily processes.
Macronutrients and Energy Balance:
Research consistently demonstrates the critical role of macronutrient balance in managing conditions like diabetes and obesity. Before we go further, though, let’s define macronutrient:
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Macronutrients are the nutrients the body needs in the largest amounts to properly function (think paired down food pyramid). The three primary groups are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and The Lancet, to name a few, have shown that tailored carbohydrate intake can significantly improve glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. What that means is that decisions such as choosing complex over simple carbohydrates and balancing carbohydrate intake with proteins and fats can impact satiety, metabolism, and weight loss or maintenance - as well as the rate at which insulin is released by the pancreas.
Micronutrients and Cellular Function:
First, the definition - Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals our bodies require to function properly and maintain overall health. These nutrients do not provide energy in the form of calories, as macros do, however; they play crucial roles in bodily processes such as energy production, immune function, hormone production, and more. Your micronutrients can be found alongside your macronutrients, packaged in the foods you consume.
Micronutrient deficiencies can have far-reaching consequences on health. New research indicates that nearly half of individuals with type 2 diabetes lack essential micronutrients such as vitamin D and magnesium, which are critical for blood sugar regulation and insulin function. MNT practitioners are trained to identify and address these deficiencies through dietary adjustments and, when necessary, supplementation, thereby optimizing cellular function and disease management.
As our Medical Advisor Dr. María Del Mar Félix Morales explains, “The quantity and type of carbohydrates consumed directly affect the extent of the increase in blood glucose levels. So, if a person with diabetes moderates their carb intake, they can control blood glucose levels better, reduce the demands on the pancreas to increase insulin production, and mitigate insulin resistance.”
The Gut Microbiome Connection:
An ever-growing body of research has illuminated the profound impact of the gut microbiome on overall health, including immunity, mental health, and even weight management. As highlighted in a review through the California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, Understanding the Role of the Gut Microbiome in Diabetes, people with diabetes have different types and amounts of bacteria in their gut compared to those without the condition. This affects important things like how they process fats, produce certain hormones, and deal with inflammation. The review also indicates proof that plant-based diets improve bacterial design and reduce inflammatory cytokine activation, leading to improved insulin sensitivity. The Aeroflow Diabetes Nutrition Coaching program is designed and developed by leading dietitians, including Sophie Lauver, a Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach who specializes in guiding individuals towards adopting plant-focused diets.
Personalized Precision is the Key to Progress
One of the key strengths of MNT lies in its personalized approach. Unlike generic dietary advice, MNT considers an individual's unique medical history, lifestyle, preferences, and biochemical profile. This tailored approach is supported by research highlighting the limitations of one-size-fits-all dietary recommendations.
Advances in nutrigenomics and metabolomics are revealing the significant variability in how we respond to different foods. MNT practitioners utilize this understanding - as well as insight into the patient’s diagnoses, dispositions, and responsiveness to change - to create dietary plans that are best suited to an individual's specific genetic and metabolic makeup and lifestyle. This is why Aeroflow Diabetes’ program includes one-on-one counseling, goal setting, and progress check ins, as well as group support, which has shown to result in increased engagement and information intake, as well as positive outcomes.
Coaching to Empower Behavior Change
We all need a coach every now and then. It’s why we seek mentors, advisors, and now, nutrition coaches. A good coach shares insight and knowledge and provides support and accountability. Nutrition Coaching through a Medical Nutrition Therapy program goes beyond providing dietary recommendations; it empowers individuals to make sustainable lifestyle changes through education, goal-setting, and ongoing support. This behavioral component is a key driver for improved outcomes.
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Evidence-Based Counseling Techniques: MNT practitioners are trained in behavior change theories and utilize techniques such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy to help individuals overcome barriers to dietary adherence and develop healthy eating habits. Research noted in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of these counseling approaches in improving dietary outcomes.
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Long-Term Adherence and Outcomes: Strong evidence supports the effectiveness of MNT interventions for diabetes patients, in the short- and long-term, thanks to personalized education and support, and access to a wider support network. Insurance coverage for MNT varies, but for the majority of Aeroflow Diabetes patients, it is covered on an annual basis. This helps maintain accountability, access to new information, and ongoing support through life changes.
It’s Time for Your Science-Driven Path to Wellness
The effectiveness of Medical Nutrition Therapy is firmly grounded in a robust body of scientific evidence. By understanding the intricate relationship between food and our biology, tailoring interventions to individual needs, and empowering sustainable behavior change, MNT offers a powerful and evidence-based approach to managing health conditions such as diabetes and optimizing overall well-being. If you are interested in receiving personal nutrition coaching through our Medical Nutrition Therapy program, your first step is simple. Complete the qualify form below and we’ll be in touch.
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About the Author
Tara Giltner is the Marketing Manager at Aeroflow Diabetes, where she leads comprehensive marketing and communications strategies to elevate brand awareness, patient engagement, and market share in the diabetes care sector. With over a decade of experience in marketing, public relations, and content development, she is passionate about leveraging strategic communications to empower patients, enhance experiences, and improve health outcomes.
Tara’s career includes agency and in-house roles within healthcare and wellness organizations, as well as leadership roles in the Public Relations Society of America. A graduate of University of South Carolina, she is now a North Carolina resident, where she enjoys life with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, and a cat.
Aeroflow Diabetes Disclaimer
Information provided on the Aeroflow Diabetes website is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or care from a healthcare professional. Aeroflow recommends consulting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing medical issues relating to diabetes care.
