Supporting Clients with Diabetes: Best Practices for Fitness Professionals
For fitness professionals, understanding how best to support clients with diabetes can go a long way
Understanding the unique needs of clients managing Type 2 Diabetes or pre-diabetes is essential for fostering an effective and empowering environment. Chronic conditions like diabetes bring unique challenges, and fitness professionals help support these clients on their health journeys. Drawing from L-Nutra Health’s Diabetes Etiquette Guide, Renee Fitton, MS, RD, Director of Education at L-Nutra, offered actionable insights for such fitness professional-client relationships.
Encouragement Over Criticism
For clients with diabetes, setbacks can sometimes feel magnified. Holidays, busy schedules, or even unexpected life events may disrupt routines. A positive approach can make all the difference.
“Instead of focusing on what went wrong, highlight what lies ahead,” Fitton told Athletech News. “Encourage clients to celebrate life’s moments while maintaining consistency in their routines. When setbacks happen, help them reset with achievable goals like adding a serving of non-starchy vegetables to their meals or committing to 30 minutes of activity per week. These small, manageable changes build confidence and momentum.”
Education and Collaboration
A foundational understanding of diabetes is critical for any fitness professional working with these clients. This includes learning the basics of how insulin functions, the impact of foods on blood sugar, and the importance of physical activity in diabetes management.
“Understanding the disease at a basic level allows fitness professionals to better relate to their clients and offer tailored guidance,” Fitton noted. “However, it’s equally important to know when to step back. Diabetes is a complex medical condition, and some decisions—especially around nutrition and treatment—should always be made with input from a healthcare professional.”
Fitton encouraged fitness professionals to build networks of registered dietitians and healthcare providers. “When you partner with trusted specialists, you ensure your clients receive the comprehensive care they need,” She said. “Referring clients to the right professionals demonstrates integrity and prioritizes their health, which ultimately strengthens their trust in you.”
Flexibility and Patience
Managing diabetes is not a linear process. Clients may experience fluctuations in energy, motivation, and health status, impacting their ability to stay consistent.
“Patience and adaptability are essential,” Fitton explained. “Your clients’ needs may vary week to week or even day to day. Adjust your approach to meet them where they are in their journey—whether that means modifying a workout or celebrating incremental progress, like sticking to a routine for a few weeks.”
This flexibility helps clients stay on track and reinforces a sense of trust and partnership between them and their fitness professionals.
Respecting Privacy
Respecting a client’s boundaries is crucial when discussing a sensitive health condition like diabetes. Fitton emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
“Clients may or may not feel comfortable sharing details about their condition or treatment plan,” said Fitton. “Always allow them to lead the conversation and avoid asking intrusive questions. Creating a safe, nonjudgmental space lets clients decide what they want to share.”
Promoting a Holistic Approach
While food and blood sugar management is central to diabetes care, focusing solely on these areas can be overwhelming for clients. Focusing on the broader benefits of a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial.
“Exercise is a powerful tool for managing diabetes—not just physically, but mentally as well,” Fitton shared. “Help clients see the bigger picture by incorporating movement into their daily lives and promoting overall well-being. A balanced approach that includes mindfulness, stress management, and physical activity can make diabetes management feel less daunting.”
Empowering Clients for Long-Term Success
The role of a fitness professional goes beyond guiding workouts to building trust, fostering confidence, and supporting clients. The L-Nutra Health’s Diabetes Etiquette Guide can help fitness professionals better understand how to navigate sensitive conversations and provide guidance.
“Empathy, education, and collaboration are the cornerstones of effective support,” said Fitton. “By prioritizing these principles, fitness professionals can help their clients feel empowered to take control of their health and celebrate even the smallest victories.”