What is Chronic Disease?
Chronic disease refers to a long-lasting health condition that persists over time.
Unlike acute diseases, which are sudden and short-term, chronic diseases typically develop slowly and can worsen over time, affecting daily functioning and quality of life.
Common examples include heart disease, diabetes, liver health, and arthritis. These diseases are often manageable but require ongoing medical attention, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication to control symptoms and prevent complications.
While the exact cause of chronic diseases can vary, factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and age often play a significant role in their development.
How can a dietitian help with diabetes?
- Provide guidance on balanced meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day
- Provide a personalized meal plan tailored to your specific type of diabetes, lifestyle and food preferences.
- Support managing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Discuss glycemix index and food choices
- Support managing insulin resistance
- Help reduce the need for diabetes medications
- General education on lifestyle factors that influence blood sugar levels
- Help guide you through how your specific body responds to various food choices, physical activity and stress as it relates to blood sugar levels
How can a dietitian help with cardiovascular health?
- Provide guidance on food choices for optimum heart health
- Nutrition education on top dietary contriutors to heart disease
- Provide a personalized heart health meal plan
- Help guide you on the benefits of physical activity and ways to incorporate this into your life
- Provide accountability and regular check-ins while making diet and lifestyle changes
How can a dietitian help with liver health?
- Provide guidance on food choices for optimum liver health; conditions such as fatty liver, NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) and cirrhosis
- Provide a personalized liver health meal plan
- Offer guidance on optimal foods to add to your diet
- Provide accountability and regular check-ins while making diet and lifestyle changes
