What to Look for in a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) to Help with Your Diabetes Management

Managing what to eat while living with diabetes can feel like trying to cook a meal without a recipe. Without one, the oven temperature is all wrong, and there’s flour, eggs, and salt all over your damn kitchen. Just as a recipe is your friend in cooking, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is a valuable partner in your diabetes care. That’s because—like a seasoned chef—an RDN can provide the right recipe for your diabetes management needs and lifestyle, guiding you step-by-step.

What Is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?

An RDN is a food and nutrition expert who helps people eat healthier and manage medical conditions like diabetes. 

RDNs have the training to guide you in making safe, effective changes to your diet.

Becoming an RDN involves several key steps:

Education

• Graduate Degree: RDNs need a graduate degree from a U.S. accredited university, with coursework approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) .

Certification

• Supervised Practice: RDNs must complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program in healthcare, community, or food service, lasting 6–12 months.
• National Examination: After supervised practice, RDNs must pass a Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)-administered national exam.
• Continuing Education: To maintain their registration, RDNs must complete continuing professional educational requirements throughout their careers.

RDN vs. Non-Credentialed Providers: What’s the Difference?

It is important to note that not everyone who gives nutrition advice is a trained expert.

If you’re considering a non-credentialed nutrition adviser (e.g., health coaches, influencers, self-proclaimed nutritionists), you and your diabetes should take heed because:

• No formal education is required to be a non-credentialed nutrition adviser or nutritionist
• Health coaches and nutrition influencers may promote unproven diets or products
• Health coaches and nutrition influencers are not trained to manage medical conditions like diabetes

On the flip side, an RDN:

• Has formal education and training
• Is certified and licensed
• Works with doctors and healthcare teams
• Uses science-backed strategies

Warning: Just because someone talks about food and health online doesn’t mean they’re qualified to help you. 

How Can an RDN Help You Manage Diabetes?

A good RDN won’t just hand you a meal plan—they’ll help you create a realistic and sustainable way to eat for better blood sugar control.

An RDN can provide expert guidance to help you manage your health and diabetes effectively, including:

• Personalized meal plans tailored to your health goals.
• Help with carb counting so you can balance meals without stress.
• Guidance on portion sizes to keep blood sugar in check.
• Smart tips for dining out or enjoying holiday meals without guilt.
• Support for weight management and lowering A1C levels.
• Encouragement and motivation when challenges arise.

Working with an RDN and using the tools and strategies they provide helps you stay in control of your diabetes.

Questions to Ask When Choosing an RDN

Not all RDNs specialize in diabetes, so make sure to ask these questions:

• “Do you have experience working with people who have diabetes?”
• “Do you collaborate with my doctor or endocrinologist?”
• “What kind of meal planning support do you offer?”
• “How often will we meet, and how will we track progress?”

Note: Finding an RDN who understands your unique needs can make a huge difference in your success.

Are RDN Services Covered by Insurance ?

Many health insurance plans cover visits with an RDN—especially for diabetes care.

• Private Insurance: Many private insurance companies, like Aetna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, cover upfront or provide reimbursement for RDN services—ask your health insurance company about coverage for Medical Nutrition Therapy.  
• Medicare: Covers up to three hours of RDN visits per year for diabetes.
• Medicaid: Coverage varies by state—check with your provider.
• Other Options: Some RDNs offer sliding-scale fees (i.e. lower fees for people with fewer resources) or virtual sessions for affordability.

Pro Tip: Call your insurance company and ask: “Do you cover Medical Nutrition Therapy?”

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Seeing an RDN

If you’re not sure how to bring it up, here’s a simple thing to say to your doctor:

“I’d like help from a dietitian to better manage my blood sugar. Can you refer me to an RDN?”

Why does this matter?

• A doctor’s referral can help with insurance coverage.
• Your doctor and RDN can work together to create the best plan for you.

Note: If your doctor does not know what an RDN is, cannot make a recommendation, or recommends you to a health coach or health influencer, maybe it’s time to look for another doctor.

What to Expect at Your First RDN Appointment

1. Assessment – You’ll talk about your current eating habits, blood sugar levels, and health goals.
2. Goal Setting – Your RDN will help you set small, achievable steps toward healthier eating.
3. Meal Planning – Together, you’ll create a plan that works for your lifestyle and culture—not just a list of foods to avoid.

Remember: This is about progress, not perfection!

Final Tips for Working with an RDN

Want to get the most out of your sessions? Keep these tips in mind:

• Be honest about your eating habits—there’s no judgment!
• Ask questions—no question is too small.
• Try new foods and strategies—small changes add up over time.
• Stay committed—managing diabetes is a journey, not a quick fix.

An RDN is your partner in better health. 

Together, you can find a way to eat that helps you feel your best!

Check Out Fay Nutrition

Looking for a trusted RDN to help with your diabetes?

Fay Nutrition connects you with RDNs who specialize in diabetes management. 

Fay Nutrition network dietitians offer:

• Personalized Nutrition Plans – Custom meal plans for better blood sugar control.
• Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) – Proven methods to improve health.
• Insurance Coverage – Many plans cover nutrition counseling.

Just as a seasoned chef transforms a kitchen into a culinary masterpiece, partnering with an RDN can turn the chaos of eating for diabetes management into a balanced and delicious success story.

Visit Fay Nutrition today and take the next step in your diabetes journey!

This content was made possible with support from Fay Nutrition, an active partner of Beyond Type 1 at the time of publication. Beyond Type 1 maintains editorial control over its content.