Nutrition & Diabetes Education
Outpatient Nutrition
Dietitian or Nutritionist — Who Should You See?
The titles may sound similar, but the qualifications behind them can be very different. Bozeman Health dietitians are licensed experts trained to provide medical nutrition therapy. “Nutritionist,” however, is a broader term that may not require standardized education or regulation, depending on the state.
Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN)
- Requires a degree from an accredited program, supervised practice, and passing a national exam
- Licensed and regulated in most states
- Can treat medical conditions through nutrition
- Services often covered by insurance
- Works in clinical settings with physicians and healthcare teams
Nutritionists
- May or may not have formal education in nutrition
- Often unregulated; anyone can use the title in many states
- Typically provides general wellness advice
- Usually not covered unless licensed
- May work independently or in wellness settings
Meet Your Dietitians
Laura Lowe
RDN, LN
(Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education)
Lindsay Kordick
MS, RDN, LN, EPc
(Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education)
Jessica Emanuel
RD, LN, CDCES
Emma Peterson
RN, RD, LN, CDCES
Outpatient Nutrition Education
Individual Education
- Medical Nutrition Therapy: Individual assessment and counseling by a Registered Dietitian. This involves developing a personalized plan for patients to help manage conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, food allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, etc.
- Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support: Individual education on nutrition, medications, blood glucose monitoring, physical activity, and prevention of acute/chronic complications as it relates to Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, Gestational diabetes, and preexisting in diabetes in pregnancy.
- Referral required
Act Now Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes Prevention Program
Comprehensive 12-month weight loss program offering 16 weekly lifestyle classes and 8 monthly follow-up meetings designed to help prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and help you maintain success with a healthy, new standard of living. Our coaches will provide the education and support to help you make lifestyle changes.
The program has had proven results averaging a 7% weight loss and 150 minutes activity per week. ACT NOW is sponsored by Bozeman Health through a grant from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Prevention Program Cost: $150
Eligibility Requirements
- Adult Age 18 or over, BMI > 25 PLUS one of the following criteria: Abnormal Fasting Plasma Glucose of 100-125/Abnormal HgA1c/History of Gestational Diabetes/History of birth to a baby greater than 9 pounds/High Blood Pressure/High Triglycerides/High LDL Cholesterol/Low HDL Cholesterol.
- Lab work must have been completed within the past 6 months.
- Benefits: A life without diabetes and enhanced knowledge for life, personal lifestyle coaches to help ensure success, 3 month membership to The Ridge Athletic Club, lab work at 16 weeks and end of program.
- Ask your primary doctor for a referral
Medicare Weight Loss Program
If you are a Medicare Part B beneficiary who is struggling to lose weight, Bozeman Health Diabetes Center offers an exclusive program for effective weight loss. Authorized by Medicare, this program is available to eligible patients at no cost. Our Certified Life Coaches and Nutrition Specialists provide a nutrition assessment and intensive behavioral counseling and therapy to promote sustained weight loss through high intensity interventions on diet and exercise.
This progressive program includes:
- One visit every week for the first month
- One visit every other week for months 2 to 6
- One visit every month for months 7 to 12, if the beneficiary meets the 6.6 lbs. weight loss requirements during the first six months.
To qualify for this benefit patients must have a BMI higher than 30 and a physician referral.
Walk With Ease
- 6 - week walking program open to anyone who wants to start or maintain a low-impact exercise program. This program is instructor-led, and designed for all fitness levels.
- Participants are expected to walk a minimum of 3 days/week.
- This program is designed by the National Arthritis Foundation, and grant funded through the Montana Arthritis Program.
- There are NO eligibility requirements, though a referral is required.
Registered Dietitian in Oncology Provides
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation
- Decrease or loss of appetite
- Weight Loss
- Dehydration
- Change in taste
- Difficulty swallowing
Registered Dietician also provides:
- Education on nutritional supplements (protein supplements)
- Management of patients receiving enteral nutrition (tube feeding)
- Education to maximize intake and quality of life
- Collaboration with your healthcare team to provide high quality care
Diabetes Education
Meet Your Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Amy Katz
RN, CDCES
Jessica Emanuel
RD, LN, CDCES
Bromley Dahinden
MS, RD, LN, CDCES
Emma Peterson
RN, RD, LN, CDCES
What is a Certified Diabetes Education Specialist (CDCES)
Definition:
A Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) is a healthcare professional with advanced expertise in diabetes prevention and management. CDCESs work in partnership with individuals living with diabetes to provide education, support, and personalized strategies that empower patients to achieve their health and self-management goals.
Eligible Professionals:
The CDCES credential is available to licensed healthcare providers who meet specific clinical experience and education requirements.
Eligible disciplines include:
- Registered Nurses (RN)
- Nurse Practitioners (NP)
- Registered Dietitians (RD)
- Physician Assistants (PA)
- Doctors of Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Medical Doctors (MD or DO)
These professionals play a vital role in helping patients navigate the complexities of diabetes care through evidence-based guidance and compassionate support.
4 Key Times to See a Diabetes Education Specialist
Partnering with a diabetes education specialist can help you stay informed, confident, and in control of your health. We recommend scheduling a visit during these key times:
- At Diagnosis Learn the essentials of managing diabetes from the start, including blood sugar monitoring, nutrition, medications, and lifestyle adjustments.
- Annually A yearly check-in helps reinforce healthy habits, update your care plan, and address any new questions or challenges.
- When Complicating Factors Develop If your health status changes—such as new medical conditions, physical limitations, or shifts in your daily living needs—our educators can help you adapt your management strategies.
- When Life or Care Transitions Occur Major changes like moving to a new home, switching healthcare providers, or changes in insurance coverage can impact your care. A specialist can help you navigate these transitions smoothly.
Outpatient Diabetes Education
Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)
At Bozeman Health, our Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES) deliver comprehensive DSMES services to individuals with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and diabetes during pregnancy. These services are designed to empower patients with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their condition confidently and effectively.
DSMES is available through both individual and group education sessions, tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs and goals.
Core DSMES topics include:
- Nutrition for diabetes management
- Physical activity and exercise strategies
- Blood glucose monitoring techniques
- Understanding and managing diabetes medications
- Preventing diabetes-related complications
- Healthy coping and emotional support
- Problem-solving for daily diabetes challenges
Our goal is to support patients in making informed decisions, improving health outcomes, and enhancing quality of life through personalized education and ongoing care.
Diabetes Education Class
This 5-week class is for individuals interested in learning how to manage their diabetes, care for themselves, and control blood glucose levels. The class is also intended for those who are diagnosed with Impaired Glucose tolerance (IGT), Pre-Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome or Insulin Resistance.
Topics covered will include:
- Diagnosis
- Blood Sugar Levels
- How & When to Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
- How to Interpret Results
- Basic Information on When, What and How Much to Eat When Managing Diabetes
- Basic Training on Carbohydrate Counting and Understanding the Impact of Food on Blood Sugar
- Tips for Weight Management
- Healthy Food Choices
- Food Portion Guidelines
- Exercise Tips
- Examples of Stretching
- Aerobic Activity and Strengthening
- How to Begin a Safe Exercise Program and Lifestyle Changes
- Goal Setting and How to Stay Motivated
- Diagnosis
- Blood Sugar Levels
- How & When to Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
- How to Interpret Results
- Basic Information on When, What and How Much to Eat When Managing Diabetes
- Basic Training on Carbohydrate Counting and Understanding the Impact of Food on Blood Sugar
- Tips for Weight Management
- Healthy Food Choices
- Food Portion Guidelines
- Exercise Tips
- Examples of Stretching
- Aerobic Activity and Strengthening
- How to Begin a Safe Exercise Program and Lifestyle Changes
- Goal Setting and How to Stay Motivated
Training and Education on Diabetes Technology
Bozeman Health offers a range of specialized services to help individuals manage their diabetes with confidence and clarity. These include:
-
Insulin Pump Training
Personalized instruction on the safe and effective use of insulin pump therapy, tailored to each patient’s needs and lifestyle. -
Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Training
Hands-on guidance for using CGM devices, including setup, data interpretation, and integration into daily diabetes management.
These services are designed to enhance self-management skills and improve overall health outcomes for individuals living with diabetes.
Downloadable Forms
Medicare Weight Loss Program Initial Intake Form
