• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Diabetes Everyday

Living your best life with diabetes. Toby Smithson provides professional guidance with personal experience.

  • Diabetes EveryDay
  • Work With Toby
    • Toby in the Media
      • Interviews and Articles
    • Toby’s Books
    • Speaking Out About Diabetes
  • Sharing Toby’s Knowledge
    • Understanding Diabetes
    • Eating Healthy
    • Being Physically Active
    • Medications and Monitoring Health
    • Reducing Stress
    • Staying Motivated
    • Diabetes Resources
  • Meet Toby
    • Contact Toby
  • YouTube Channel
  • Newsletter
You are here: Home / Understanding Diabetes / Doctor Discusses Health Knowledge Gap

Doctor Discusses Health Knowledge Gap

November 7, 2013 By Toby Smithson

I accidentally read a great article on the website Medscape. It was accidental because the title- “The Mediterranean Diet: Where ‘True’ Reform Misses the Boat”- was a little misleading with respect to the important message of the piece. Written by a practicing physician, the article reviewed, with a passion bordering on hopelessness, how our current medical and educational systems are failing to equip adults and children to be healthy, especially as related to food.

Dr. Melissa Walton-Shirley describes the current state-of-affairs as follows:

“But middle- and advanced-age patients, like the one who is the focus of this story, still face a life with no (healthy lifestyle) navigation system, and worse, they are now herded into healthcare arenas with time constraints and quotas. In many instances, they see physicians and healthcare providers who’ve had a collective five hours of nutrition training in their armamentarium. Those physicians are now servants to their new lord and master, the relative-value-unit (RVU) tally, which doesn’t reward a 45-minute sit-down talk about such menial issues. These patients are lost in a sea of disease- producing adipose tissue.”

Dr. Walton-Shirley pleads, “So, America! Government officials! Elected politicians! Dieticians! Educators! I need help. We’ve done a great job with “sex education,” but we need to busy ourselves with a rewrite of required curriculum of elementary and secondary education. We need to teach and test on what fuels and protects our bodies. We need to throw in important stuff like “which side of your body your gall bladder lives” and “how you feel when it gets sick.” We need to demand an hour of physical activity every day. We need to teach that lifesaving and life-preserving information with even more zeal than we teach a high-schooler how to put on a condom. We need a complete overhaul and rewrite of something more than lunchroom menus. God help (and I don’t ask that in vain) all of those folks who are caught in middle age or older with no tools to navigate what goes into their mouths. They are writhing with disease-producing fat lining their middles. They are breaking our budget. They are dying a slow, fairly miserable death. They are lost.”

The article goes on to concede that doctors “can’t do this alone.” This I agree with wholeheartedly, but I personally know hundreds, and know there are thousands more, dietitians and educators who would like nothing more than a patient referral from a physician who both recognizes that lifestyle support is necessary, and that they are not equipped to provide that service. And, we are perfectly educated, motivated, and thrilled to spend the necessary time, often reimbursed by insurance, to help these individuals.

I pointed out in my member’s newsletter on October 26th how this incredibly logical idea of getting people the specialized help they need for lifestyle support (especially people with diabetes) in a medical system that claims to be promoting prevention just doesn’t happen nearly often enough. And while it’s clear that government, insurance companies, and the patients themselves all drop their share of the proverbial ball, I’m sorry to say that way too often it’s the physician who simply doesn’t recognize the benefit or acknowledge their own limitation to provide the service that doesn’t take two minutes to write the referral. This does have to change.

Filed Under: Understanding Diabetes

Toby Smithson Diabetes Everyday

Subscribe on YouTube

Toby Smithson dynamically combines her knowledge as a certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian nutritionist with her life experiences successfully managing type 1 diabetes for more than five decades.

Primary Sidebar

Search

Keys to Living Well – Toby’s Posts

Recent Posts

  • How To Make a Successful New Year’s Resolution for Diabetes January 8, 2021
  • Can Drinking Water Help My Blood Sugar? January 8, 2021
  • Are Smoothies Good For My Diabetes? January 8, 2021
  • Is Insulin Right For Your Diabetes? January 8, 2021
  • Sneaky Exercise For Your Diabetes Health December 17, 2020

Post Archives

Before Footer

tobysmithson

341

tobysmithson

View

Jan 15

Open
Have you tried this yet? Most definitely top of my list of things to do lately. This #video is worth viewing for everyone, not just for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio  #diabetesmanagement #forestbathing #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲 #type1diabetes #type2diabetes  #type1 #type2 #relaxation #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressreliever

Have you tried this yet? Most definitely top of my list of things to do lately. This #video is worth viewing for everyone, not just for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio #diabetesmanagement #forestbathing #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲 #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #relaxation #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressreliever ...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 14

Open
Double thankful: got my #COVID19 #vaccine today and so glad to be living in a small town because it was quick and easy...no waiting in any line, vaccine didn’t hurt, staff was super friendly and people I knew from my neighborhood! #Igotmyshot

Double thankful: got my #COVID19 #vaccine today and so glad to be living in a small town because it was quick and easy...no waiting in any line, vaccine didn’t hurt, staff was super friendly and people I knew from my neighborhood! #Igotmyshot ...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 7

Open
Need some distraction from the stress of the day? These two springers are step
Sisters. Rescued from the same household several states away and coincidentally reunited as the owners (myself and Diane Myers-Mosher) live in the same subdivision. ❤️ #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescue #englishspringerrescueassociation @dimmosher

Need some distraction from the stress of the day? These two springers are step
Sisters. Rescued from the same household several states away and coincidentally reunited as the owners (myself and Diane Myers-Mosher) live in the same subdivision. ❤️ #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescue #englishspringerrescueassociation @dimmosher
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 6

Open
Needing a distraction from the news? Let’s talk healthy eating for the new year for people with #diabetes - Starting soon. @diabetesstrong_ig

Needing a distraction from the news? Let’s talk healthy eating for the new year for people with #diabetes - Starting soon. @diabetesstrong_ig ...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 6

Open
Follow up #video with a #recipe for a #diabetesfriendly #smoothie . #youtubevideo link in my bio. #diabetesmanagement #diabeteslife #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes  #nutrition #haveaplant #diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity

Follow up #video with a #recipe for a #diabetesfriendly #smoothie . #youtubevideo link in my bio. #diabetesmanagement #diabeteslife #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #nutrition #haveaplant #diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity ...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 6

Open
Big week in my world as a registered dietitian. @usnews News 2021 Best Diets have been published and I am very honored to  be part of the expert panel ranking the #diets. 
Here’s the link to see the list.  #bestdiet #healthyeating #weightloss #usnewsandworldreport https://health.usnews.com/best-diet

Big week in my world as a registered dietitian. @usnews News 2021 Best Diets have been published and I am very honored to be part of the expert panel ranking the #diets.
Here’s the link to see the list. #bestdiet #healthyeating #weightloss #usnewsandworldreport https://health.usnews.com/best-diet
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 4

Open
Excited for starting off this New Year with a couple of online chats about #HealthyEating for People with #Diabetes. First up is on January 6th, where I will be the guest for #diabetesstrong Fit with Diabetes Challenge Webinar.  Diabetes Strong Diabetes Strong Community #diabetesonlinecommunity #newyearsresolutions  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2716092874267/WN_Oz0vz_XWTwuueLWnDIpUjw

Excited for starting off this New Year with a couple of online chats about #HealthyEating for People with #Diabetes. First up is on January 6th, where I will be the guest for #diabetesstrong Fit with Diabetes Challenge Webinar. Diabetes Strong Diabetes Strong Community #diabetesonlinecommunity #newyearsresolutions https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2716092874267/WN_Oz0vz_XWTwuueLWnDIpUjw ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 30

Open
I’m definitely excited to ring in the New Year. Make 2020 history. The video this week will give you guidance regarding this #NewYearsresolutions. Wishing you all a safe and healthy #newyear 
#diabetes #diabetesmanagement  #diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesredefined #2021 #diabetescommunity  https://youtu.be/70VmjHFFzvM

I’m definitely excited to ring in the New Year. Make 2020 history. The video this week will give you guidance regarding this #NewYearsresolutions. Wishing you all a safe and healthy #newyear
#diabetes #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesredefined #2021 #diabetescommunity

https://youtu.be/70VmjHFFzvM
...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 23

Open
Wishing all who celebrate, a happy and healthy holiday season. Make sure to stay hydrated with a focus on #water. Check out this #video on how much and why  drinking water is important especially for people with #diabetes 
#type1diabetes #type2diabetes #hydration #diabetesmanagement #bloodsugar #diabetescommunity #diabetescommunityonline

Wishing all who celebrate, a happy and healthy holiday season. Make sure to stay hydrated with a focus on #water. Check out this #video on how much and why drinking water is important especially for people with #diabetes
#type1diabetes #type2diabetes #hydration #diabetesmanagement #bloodsugar #diabetescommunity #diabetescommunityonline
...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 22

Open
Had fun developing a #diabetesfriendly #snack  using a bento box from @NationalDairyCouncil and @TodaysDietitianMagazine to make this Greek #yogurt #Apple pie with #almonds parfait. #diabetes #snacking #TDBox #nationaldairycouncil #NDC #protein #carbs #healthyfats #dairy

Had fun developing a #diabetesfriendly #snack using a bento box from @NationalDairyCouncil and @TodaysDietitianMagazine to make this Greek #yogurt #Apple pie with #almonds parfait. #diabetes #snacking #TDBox #nationaldairycouncil #NDC #protein #carbs #healthyfats #dairy ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 18

Open
Dear Subscribers, Thanks for asking this question...Are #smoothies ok for people with #diabetes? The answers are in this week's #youtube #video 
Located in my bio. #diabetescommunityonline #diabetesmanagement #diabeteseducation #diabetesfriendly #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #diabetescommunity #fruitsandveggies #plantbasedfood #plants #wheyprotein #wheyproteinshake #wheyproteinpowder #nutribullet #peanutbutter #almondbutter

Dear Subscribers, Thanks for asking this question...Are #smoothies ok for people with #diabetes? The answers are in this week's #youtube #video
Located in my bio. #diabetescommunityonline #diabetesmanagement #diabeteseducation #diabetesfriendly #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #diabetescommunity #fruitsandveggies #plantbasedfood #plants #wheyprotein #wheyproteinshake #wheyproteinpowder #nutribullet #peanutbutter #almondbutter
...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 14

Open
I’ve been especially cognizant of keeping a stash of emergency food/ meals in my pantry ever since #COVID19 began. Had received a sample of this #starkistcreations tuna and it was delicious! It’s now on my grocery shopping list to keep in stock. TY @todaysdietitianmagazine  for the #tdbox @starkistcharlie #healthyeating #balancedmeals

I’ve been especially cognizant of keeping a stash of emergency food/ meals in my pantry ever since #COVID19 began. Had received a sample of this #starkistcreations tuna and it was delicious! It’s now on my grocery shopping list to keep in stock. TY @todaysdietitianmagazine for the #tdbox @starkistcharlie #healthyeating #balancedmeals ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 11

Open
Hoping to clear up any confusion about #insulin for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio under #youtube  #diabetesmanagement #diabetesredefined #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetescommunity #bloodsugar

Hoping to clear up any confusion about #insulin for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio under #youtube #diabetesmanagement #diabetesredefined #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetescommunity #bloodsugar ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 11

Open
Sharing first night of Chanukah the COVID safe way... via Facebook portal with our granddaughters and wonderful DIL. ❤️ Happy Chanukah!

Sharing first night of Chanukah the COVID safe way... via Facebook portal with our granddaughters and wonderful DIL. ❤️ Happy Chanukah! ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 4

Open
For those trying to stick with low carb food choices, here’s a creative option if you’d like to eat a loaded “potato”. Link in bio under #youtube #haveaplant #diabetes #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #bloodsugar #gettingcreativewithyourmeals

For those trying to stick with low carb food choices, here’s a creative option if you’d like to eat a loaded “potato”. Link in bio under #youtube #haveaplant #diabetes #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #bloodsugar #gettingcreativewithyourmeals ...

tobysmithson

View

Nov 27

Open
After #thanksgiving post about #physicalactivity . No need to go to a gym. I’ve got some ideas while you #staysafeathome  TY to our #englishspringerspaniel  and my husband @smithsonanthony for helping w this #youtube #video. Link in bio. #diabetes #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #exercise #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesonline #diabetescommunity #staysafe #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspanielrescue #englishspringerrescueamerica

After #thanksgiving post about #physicalactivity . No need to go to a gym. I’ve got some ideas while you #staysafeathome TY to our #englishspringerspaniel and my husband @smithsonanthony for helping w this #youtube #video. Link in bio. #diabetes #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #exercise #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesonline #diabetescommunity #staysafe #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspanielrescue #englishspringerrescueamerica ...

tobysmithson

View

Nov 26

Open
Glad our #Thanksgiving tradition is COVID safe. Wishing all who celebrate, a happy and safe holiday. #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspaniel #englishspringersofinstagram

Glad our #Thanksgiving tradition is COVID safe. Wishing all who celebrate, a happy and safe holiday. #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspaniel #englishspringersofinstagram ...

tobysmithson

View

Nov 21

Open
Curious about which breakfast is the best idea for people with #diabetes ? Check out the link to my latest #youtube #video in my bio.  #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #diabetesmonth #everydaydiabetes #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesredefined #cereal #oatmeal #bagel #eggsforbreakfast #eggs #eggenthusiast #hempseeds #whatshouldieat #whatshouldieatforbreakfasttoday #fiber #complexcarbs #almonds #goodkarmamilk #eatyourveggies #almondbutter #peanutbutter #wholegrain @peanutrd

Curious about which breakfast is the best idea for people with #diabetes ? Check out the link to my latest #youtube #video in my bio. #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #diabetesmonth #everydaydiabetes #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesredefined #cereal #oatmeal #bagel #eggsforbreakfast #eggs #eggenthusiast #hempseeds #whatshouldieat #whatshouldieatforbreakfasttoday #fiber #complexcarbs #almonds #goodkarmamilk #eatyourveggies #almondbutter #peanutbutter #wholegrain @peanutrd ...

tobysmithson

View

Nov 19

Open
A special blog for @usnews in honor of #nationaldiabetesmonth  #speakingfromtheheart #diabetes #diabeteslife #diabeteslifestyle #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #takingcareofme #takingmeds #beingactive #diabetesredefined #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #diabetescommunity #diabetesonline #diabetesonlinecommunity #youcandothis  https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/how-do-i-make-managing-diabetes-easier

A special blog for @usnews in honor of #nationaldiabetesmonth #speakingfromtheheart #diabetes #diabeteslife #diabeteslifestyle #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #takingcareofme #takingmeds #beingactive #diabetesredefined #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #diabetescommunity #diabetesonline #diabetesonlinecommunity #youcandothis https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/how-do-i-make-managing-diabetes-easier ...

tobysmithson

View

Nov 18

Open
Love this #zucchini casserole as an everyday #sidedish or for #thanksgiving dinner! #diabetesfriendly #lowcarb #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesonline #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #haveaplant #moreveggies @marlenekochrd

Love this #zucchini casserole as an everyday #sidedish or for #thanksgiving dinner! #diabetesfriendly #lowcarb #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesonline #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #haveaplant #moreveggies @marlenekochrd ...

Load More Follow on Instagram

Footer

Recent Posts

  • How To Make a Successful New Year’s Resolution for Diabetes
  • Can Drinking Water Help My Blood Sugar?
  • Are Smoothies Good For My Diabetes?
  • Is Insulin Right For Your Diabetes?

Let’s Connect!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Keep in touch with diabetes news.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertising/ Disclosure
  • Contact Toby
  • Terms of Use

Copyright © 2021 Diabetes Everyday · Website by Market Me Social Inc.