Marcia Pell, Dietitian and Diabetes Specialist, Retired January 2024.
My first husband had diabetes and rarely went to the doctor. Shortly after we married he wen
t blind and started dialysis. He refused to take meds at times and became depressed. I saw up close unmanaged diabetes. It was scary and overwhelming.
He died from a major stroke after a severe infection before our second anniversary. I was heartbroken.
Shortly after his death I got a call from a local hospital asking if I was interested in working with people with diabetes. I knew this is where I could make a difference. I wanted to help people prevent going down the road my husband did.
Now I want to help more people stop fearing diabetes and going blind or on dialysis. To do this, I started my own business as a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. I always thought I would be working for someone else. Owning a business is new to me. But I know from life lessons early on that with perseverance and working hard enough you can get through things you are not good at.
I am honored to be in a position to help people prevent and manage diabetes so they don’t have to stress about complications. They are always surprised that I give them permission to enjoy ice cream and pasta.
I want people with diabetes to live a full life, to be able to play in the sand and surf with their grandkids; to live long and active lives.
I understand how overwhelming it can be. I walk clients through step-by-step so they can prevent diabetes or manage their blood sugars at a safe level. Clients tell me they are relieved when they see they don’t have to go on meds and they realize that the changes they needed to make in their life were actually achievable and they could still have an occasional “Snickers” bar.
My training and certifications include:
- Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)–since 2007
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)–since 1986
- Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN)–since 1998
- Contracted Insulin Pump Trainer –since 2014
Memberships include:
- Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Diabetes Care and Education Dietetic Practice Group
- Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group
- Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group
- Emerald Coast Business Women’s Association–serving as Secretary 2017-2021
Award:
Women of Distinction Award in the Health and Fitness category–2017.
Marcia Pell, The Diabetes Dietitian (third from the left)
My other joys are being married to Bob and spending time with our daughter, Annie. We love active vacations in America’s parks and sharing food in great restaurants.
