OET Speaking - DIETETICS (Diabetes- 3)

                                  OET Speaking (Dietetics - 3)

                                               Diabetes

Setting:  Private Clinic

You see a 60-year-old patient who recently retired. He/she has just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and has been referred to get dietary advice following the diagnosis.

1. Confirm the reason for patient's referral (dietary advice following type 2 diabetes diagnosis). Find out any patient concerns.

2. Explore patient's lifestyle (food/alcohol intake, exercise etc.)

3. Find out more about patient's diet (carbohydrates, meat, fruits and vegetables, processed food, etc.)

4. Give information about suitable diet for type 2 diabetes (e.g., healthy carbohydrate/fats, less added sugar/salt, small portions, etc.)

5. Stress focusing on management of diabetes through diet , not reversal (e.g., role of healthy diet: reaching/maintaining normal blood sugar levels without medication, etc. ) Explain the importance of weight loss in diabetes management (e.g., management of blood pressure/cholesterol, prevention of further complications: heart problems, stroke etc.)

6. Advice on strategies for dietary changes (e.g., setting realistic/achievable goals, etc.). Recommend follow-up in one month. 

                                  Sample Speaking

Dietitian: [Introducing] Good evening. I'm  Rachna your dietitian here. 

I understand that you are John and you have been diagnosed with diabetes type 2, and your doctor referred you for some dietary guidance. 

[Checking understanding] Is that right?

Interlocuter. Yes, I'm John,  and the doctor referred me after the diagnosis, but I'm not really sure why.  I eat well and I'm healthy.

Diet: [Echoing] So, you are not fully sure why you were referred, as you eat well and you feel you are generally well. 

[Bullet point]. We will start from there. You know that you are diagnosed with diabetes type 2, and now you have to make some little changes in your daily life. 

I will explain you  how you can manage diabetes in that way. Is that OK for you?

Inter:  Yes, that's fine. 

Diet: [Bullet point] Let's begin with your lifestyle. Could you please tell me the type of food you usually eat?

Inter: Well, I eat three meals a day, mostly red meat and carbs. Also, I do snacks between meals, and I eat fruits and vegetables. I take processed foods mostly on weekends. 

Diet: Do you drink alcohol?

Inter: Well, I drink one or two beers every day.

Diet: Do you exercise much?

Inter: And I only go for a walk once a week.  

Diet: [Echoing] So, three main meals with red mead meat and carbs, snacks including fruits and vegetables, and processed foods on weekends. You drink alcohol daily and get out for a walk once a week.  

[Explaining]  Thanks for sharing the information, John. That gives me a clear idea of your routine. Although many of these choices seem fine, diabetes is a condition that especially sensitive to certain types of food and activity levels. 

[Bullet point]  Now, I will explain you the the kind of diet you that help manage your diabetes. Then, we we will look how to make small changes that fit fit your lifestyle.  Sound good?

Inter:  Yes, that's fine.

Diet: [Explaining] For people with diabetes type 2, the focus is on keeping the blood sugar level steady. That means cutting down added sugars and refined carbs - like white bread and sweet snacks - and instead having healthy carbs, such as whole grains, oats, and sweet potatoes. Lean proteins like chicken or fish is better than red meat most days, and unsaturated fats like olive oil, nuts avocados are ideal. Small portions help avoid sudden spikes in blood sugar.

Inter: I see. I do have a sweet tooth, and I've put some weight recently.  

Diet: [Emphasising] That's very common, John. a sweet tooth can make changes harder, and weight gain creeps up unnoticed. 

[Reassuring] But the good news is that you don't need to overhaul everything overnight.  We will work on a plan that is realistic. You will still be able to enjoy food - you will be making a few small steps that can make big differences. 

[Checking emotions] How are you feeling about making these small changes?

Inter: I hope this diet can reverse the diabetes, but it's hard to remember everything.

Diet: [Echoing]  Good. you are hoping that the diet will reverse the diabetes. 

[Explaining] I understand you completely. However, remember that diabetes can't be reversed as such -we must aim to manage it well, and that can be done only through food and exercise alone without extra medication. 

It's all about keeping your blood sugar level and avoiding the future complications like blood pressure, heart problems, and stroke.   With right support and a few few changes, millions of people live happily with diabetes. 

Inter: That's good to hear.

Diet: [Bullet point]  Let's think about some manageable steps.

[Explaining] For example,  try to replace sweet snacks with nuts or fruits. Avoid red meat and go for chicken or fish, and add a few extra vegetables during the week. 

Remember, cut your alcohol in-take a few days a week can also make big difference. 

As for exercise, walking two or three times a week is a great start.

Inter: Well,. I will make some dietary changes and do more exercise. 

Diet: That's a wonderful mindset, John. 

Do you have any further questions?

Inter: No, Thank you very much.

Diet: If you don't have any further questions, let's make a quick re-cap. 

You have been referred to for dietary advice to help manage diabetes type 2.

We have discussed cutting back on added sugar, processed food, red meat and alcohol. 

Now you are going to eat more healthy carbs, chicken lean protein, and more vegetables. With a little more exercise you will be as fit as a fiddle.

Inter: Thank you.

Diet: Wish you a speedy recovery.  

____________ Thank you_____________