Author: Ariel Warren, RDN, LD, CDCES
Did you know that if you have commercial insurance or Medicare, you have a high chance of having access to FREE dietary counseling from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)? And yes, I said free. As in, not even dinging your medical deductible and several insurances do not require co-pay for such services OR a referral from you PCP (especially if you have a PPO plan). While the number of sessions covered is determined by your insurance; many insurances cover at least 3 sessions, and other insurances (for example, many BCBS plans) cover unlimited sessions as long as the nutrition counseling is medically necessary. On top of this, since the pandemic, many insurances have open their doors to Telehealth services!
I’m especially excited to be offering preventative care through virtual services because while I have had a virtual private practice as a healthcare professional for 10 years, I was always only cash-pay, and just recently decided to become in network with insurances with a broader spectrum of people because I LOVE working with people who have “issues” with insulin.
As a Dietitian who has Diabetes (diagnosed with type 1 in 1995 when I was 4 years old), I LOVE helping people take ownership of their health through nutrition and exercise. And for those with a deadbeat pancreas (AKA those who are insulin-dependent). I love pouring into the data with you to teach you how to better dose and cover your meals, teach you exercise can become an awesome tool, and explain why your blood sugar is going crazy for “no apparent reason”…I joke and say the wind blows and messes with our blood sugar. But most of the time, there is a reason relating to food, exercise, stress, and/or hormones. And even though it’s pretty much impossible to prevent all nutty blood glucose values, you definitely can learn and improve your control to become an expert of your own diabetes. I always say, no one knows your diabetes better than you do.
So if you have diabetes, there is A LOT we can cover relating to nutrition and exercise (aka preventative services) that will help you lower your HbA1c, increase your time in range, reduce the scary lows, decrease the aggravating highs, and most importantly, greatly improve your quality of life.
Preventative Care for People with Insulin Resistance and PCOS
If you do not have insulin-dependent diabetes, but are not on fantastic terms with insulin responding as it should, you are also in the right place!
Insulin resistance is a complicated matter and can result in a plethora of metabolic consequences such as weight gain, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, elevated inflammatory markers, endothelial dysfunction, and the list continues. Also, did you know that in a recent analysis of NHANES data from 2021 found that 40% of US adults aged 18 to 44 are insulin-resistant? And that number is even higher for those older than 44 years.
While the predominant consequence of insulin resistance is type 2 diabetes (T2D), insulin resistance is typically seen to precede a T2D diagnosis by 10 to 15 years.
If you have insulin resistance, but have not been diagnosed with diabetes, there is a LOT we can do with preventative care to increase your years without diabetes, and perhaps even prevent a diabetes diagnosis altogether.
According to the NIH, “Lifestyle modifications should be the primary focus when treating insulin resistance. Nutritional intervention with calorie reduction and avoidance of carbohydrates that stimulate excessive insulin demand is a cornerstone of treatment. Physical activity helps to increase energy expenditure and improve skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity.”
NIH Article on Insulin Resistance
Which is exactly what we will do together, as your Registered Dietitian who specializing in Diabetes and Insulin Resistance.
Working WITH You, As Your Dedicated Partner
As a Registered Dietitian (RDN) and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), also as someone who personally has type 1 diabetes, I am an experienced healthcare provider who is passionate about helping you achieve your health and wellness goals. With licensing in both Utah and Texas, I am able to provide comprehensive dietary counseling through virtual services.
Currently I am in-network with the following commercial insurances in Utah and in Texas.
- TEXAS: UHC, BCBS, Aetna, BSW (tier 2)
- UTAH: UHC, Aetna, BCBS, and Select Health (Care and Choice Networks)
* Not currently in-network with Medicare in either state
Seamless Access to Preventative Care
In many cases, insurance plans offer free preventative care for dietary counseling without requiring a referral from a primary care physician, especially within PPO insurance plans. This streamlined process ensures that individuals can directly benefit from the expertise of a registered dietitian nutritionist, promoting timely and effective intervention.
Personalized Benefits Check for Hassle-Free Services
By scheduling with me through the Above Diabetes website with the button below, and filling out the intake forms, you can take advantage of a complimentary eligibility and benefits check. This service ensures that I am in-network with your insurance and clarifies whether the visits entail a co-pay or are entirely free! This transparency empowers you to make well-informed decisions about your health AND financial choices.
Specializing in Diabetes, PCOS, Insulin Resistance, and Weight Loss
As your personal dietitian, we will use a holistic approach to preventative care, enriching your health journey with a range of personalized services. If you have diabetes and are insulin dependent, I will teach you how to use nutrition and exercise, along with the nuances of dosing insulin and understanding the impact of macros in your diet, and beyond. With any diabetes diagnosis, there is a lot of preventative nutrition counseling that can greatly improve your quality of life and diabetes care management plan.
Over 100 Recipes to Inspire Healthy Eating
As a dietitian who has diabetes, while nutrition is a huge component of your diabetes management, and significant part of improving insulin sensitivity, you have to have recipes that you actually enjoy! That’s why I equip all my clients with a collection of over 100 different recipes, carefully curated to accommodate various tastes, preferences, and dietary needs. From mouthwatering breakfast options to satisfying dinners and everything in between, these recipes add a delightful dimension to the path towards better health.
Tailored Suggestions for Lasting Changes
Another part to creating sustainable habits is targeting strategies that resonate with your lifestyle. As your dietitian, I create tailored suggestions that integrate with your daily routines. Whether it’s practical tips for grocery shopping, advice on navigating social events while staying on track, or simple changes that yield significant results, together, we will develop an actionable plan that lead to lasting positive changes.
Personalized Workout Program: Exercise Designed for You
Complementing dietary changes with a well-rounded fitness routine is crucial for holistic health. My workout expertise extends beyond the kitchen to the gym, as I offer a personalized workout program that I use myself (and love) that caters to your unique needs and goals. Whether aiming for weight loss, muscle gain, or enhanced fitness, I will help you with a workout plan that aligns with your aspirations.
Getting Started with Preventative Dietary Care!
In the realm of preventative care, the journey to better health is fortified when led by a dedicated expert who values individuality and holistic well-being. As your personal dietitian in Utah and Texas, I can offer more than just inexpensive (or completely free) preventive nutrition services through your insurance; I will provide a comprehensive package that encompasses dietary guidance, culinary inspiration, tailored suggestions, personalized fitness strategies, and specialized support for diabetes, PCOS, insulin resistance, and weight loss. With me as your dietitian, I can be with you every step of the way on your path to optimal health.
