Referring Patients With Type 2 Diabetes to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in New Mexico

In 2020, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in New Mexico was 12.4%. Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are crucial in T2DM management. This cross-sectional study evaluated NM clinicians’ referral of patients with T2DM to RDNs, including referral practices and barriers. Data were collected from NM clinicians treating patients with T2DM (n = 132). Six percent of clinicians were unsure of RDN benefit for T2DM patients, but 52% reported referring less than 10% of T2DM patients to an RDN. The most common referral barrier was lack of access to an RDN. NM clinicians recognize the importance of RDNs, but barriers often prevent referral.