Managing Type 2 Diabetes via Affordable Nutrition Support
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common chronic health conditions in Australia, affecting over 1.3 million people. Managing it effectively requires more than just medication — lifestyle changes, especially nutrition, play a vital role in controlling blood glucose levels and reducing the risk of complications.
If you’re living with type 2 diabetes or have recently been diagnosed, working with an Accredited Practising Dietitian can help you take charge of your health with a personalised, evidence-based plan. And thanks to telehealth and Medicare rebates, it can be more accessible than ever — wherever you are in Australia (from Sunshine Coast Queensland, to Katherine in the Northern Territory!).
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or isn’t producing enough. Insulin is the hormone responsible for metabolising and using the glucose (sugar) from our diet for energy (to do anything from breathing, to walking and talking). This leads to higher levels of glucose in the blood. Over time, elevated blood glucose can increase the risk of:
Cardiovascular disease
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Eye problems (retinopathy)
Kidney disease
Poor wound healing and infections
But with proper management — including dietary changes — many people can stabilise their blood sugar and even reduce the need for medications over time.
Why Good Nutrition is Crucial in Type 2 Diabetes
Food directly impacts your blood sugar levels, so what you eat, how much, and when you eat all matter.
A dietitian can help you:
Understand the glycaemic index (GI) and how different types of carbs affect blood glucose
Balance meals with appropriate portions of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats
Incorporate high-fibre, whole foods that support blood sugar regulation
Plan regular meals and snacks to prevent highs and lows
Make sustainable dietary changes that suit your lifestyle and preferences
Importantly, a dietitian won't just give you a meal plan — they’ll work with you to build knowledge and confidence to make long-term changes. HINT: You don’t have to follow a no carb diet with type 2 diabetes - in fact I encourage my clients to eat the right type and amount of carbs for them!
Common Dietary Goals for People with Type 2 Diabetes
Here are a few key focus areas you may cover in a dietitian consult:
1. Carbohydrate Management
Not all carbs are bad, but understanding portion sizes and timing is essential. Wholegrain breads, legumes, oats, and starchy vegetables can be included in a healthy diet.
2. Reducing Processed Sugars
Minimising sugar-sweetened beverages, cakes, biscuits, and highly refined snacks helps stabilise blood glucose. Swapping for alternatives to help maintain a low refined sugar diet while still enjoying food.
3. Increasing Fibre Intake
High-fibre foods — like vegetables, legumes, and wholegrains — can slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
4. Healthy Fats and Proteins
Including unsaturated fats (from avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil) and lean proteins help keep you full for longer and maintain blood sugar control.
5. Weight Management (if needed)
Even modest weight loss (5–10%) can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels.
Accessing Affordable Dietitian Support via Telehealth (Australia-wide)
Maybe your work or personal life makes accessing your local dietitian within business hours makes it hard! Don’t delay putting your health first. Through telehealth, you can speak to a qualified dietitian from the comfort of your home, using a phone or video call.
This is particularly helpful if you:
Live in a rural or regional area
Have limited mobility or transport options
Prefer flexible, home-based healthcare
And if you have a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM) from your GP, you may be eligible for a rebate through Medicare, meaning there’s only a small out-of-pocket cost for up to five allied health visits per year — including dietitian support. Vida Nutrition may also be able to provide bulk billing services if you are a low income card holder, or are on a pension. Get in touch to find out if you are eligible.
What Happens in a Telehealth Appointment?
During your session, your dietitian typically:
Reviews your medical history, test results, and current lifestyle
Helps you identify small, realistic dietary changes
May help you build skills and confidence by teaching you how to read food labels, build balanced meals, differentiating between different types of carbs (e.g. low GI and high GI)
Answer any questions you have about food, medications, or supplements
Support you to set achievable health goals
Your dietitian may also be able to provide follow-up resources tailored to your needs, such as shopping guides, meal ideas, or blood glucose tracking tools.
How to Get Started
Ask your GP for a referral under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM or EPC plan) for type 2 diabetes and any other chronic conditions you may have.
Book your telehealth appointment with a qualified dietitian who offers Medicare rebates.
Start building confidence in your food choices and managing your diabetes more effectively.
Book Your Dietitian Appointment Today
Managing type 2 diabetes doesn’t need to be confusing or restrictive. With the right support, you can build a balanced way of eating that works for your life, not against it.
I offer telehealth appointments for clients Australia-wide, with bulk billing available for low income card holders, and with a small gap for everyone else - through Medicare for eligible referrals. Vida Nutrition aims to provide equitable health care for all Australians.
Book your telehealth appointment or speak to your GP today about getting started.
