Yes, in many cases. Because I am a Registered Clinical Nutritionist (not just a health coach), many New Zealand health insurers provide cover for my services.

• Southern Cross: Clients with the Health Essentials or UltraCare plans (and some Wellbeing modules) can often claim back a significant portion of their consultation fees.

• NIB: Often covers “Registered Nutritionist” consultations under their everyday cover.

• Accuro & others: Check your policy wording for “Registered Nutritionist” coverage. I provide full invoices with my registration number after every session to make claiming easy.

Both are qualified professionals, but the focus can differ. Dietitians are regulated under the HPCA Act and often work in hospitals. As a Registered Clinical Nutritionist, I work in private practice with a holistic, preventive focus. My work is evidence-based (grounded in the latest metabolic science), but I often have more time to spend with you than the public system allows, focusing on lifestyle, stress, and behavioral change alongside the food.

Absolutely. I am not a replacement for your doctor; I am a partner in your healthcare team. As we improve your diet, your blood sugar levels will naturally drop. This is great news, but it means your medication needs may change. I can provide letters or reports to your GP to keep them informed of your progress so they can safely adjust (deprescribe) your medication as your health improves. Never stop taking medication without your doctor’s supervision.

Yes. In fact, nutrition is most important when you are on medication. Medication manages the symptom (high blood sugar), but nutrition targets the root cause (insulin resistance). Many of my clients are able to reduce their reliance on medication over time under their doctor’s guidance as their metabolic health is restored.

While I specialize in plant-based nutrition because the evidence suggests it is powerful for diabetes reversal, I am not dogmatic. We will design a plan that fits your family life and preferences. However, we will focus on dramatically increasing whole plant foods (vegetables, legumes, fiber) because these are the tools your body needs to strip fat from the liver and restore insulin sensitivity.

No. My approach is about nutrient density, not just calorie counting. When you eat the right foods that keep your blood sugar stable, your cravings for sugar and snacks usually disappear. Most clients report feeling more satisfied after meals, not less, because they are finally nourishing their bodies properly.

This is a common myth. There is a huge biological difference between the refined sugar in a biscuit and the fructose found in a whole piece of fruit packaged with fiber, water, and antioxidants. We will focus on whole fruits (like berries and apples) and teach you how to pair them so they don’t spike your blood sugar.

You will likely feel a difference in your energy and clarity within the first 7–10 days. However, HbA1c (your long-term blood sugar marker) reflects a 3-month average. Therefore, we usually look for significant changes in your blood test results after 12 weeks of consistent lifestyle changes.

According to international consensus, Type 2 Diabetes remission is defined as maintaining an HbA1c level below 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) for at least three months without the use of glucose-lowering medication. This is our gold standard goal. While not everyone achieves full remission (depending on how long they have had the condition), almost everyone can achieve better control and fewer complications.