Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Wiechnicki.
Hi Katie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
We are four women, two nurses and two dietitians, with hearts for public health. We have worked together and independently in various health care sectors; most recently we worked as part of a hospital outpatient diabetes education team in Austin, Texas. However, in a post-Covid financial crisis, the increasingly for-profit hospital system made major cuts, including the entire diabetes and education program. This change has created a major gap in care in the greater Austin area for people with diabetes and prediabetes who need help taking control of their metabolic health. We decided to roll up our sleeves and come together to build a business to fill this need. We will not bore you with diabetes statistics (a LOT of Texans have diabetes and prediabetes, and the numbers are not getting better) [CDC,2022].
Enter → Diabetes and Nutrition Partners, LLC, established September 2023!
We are dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized diabetes education and support services that equip our clients with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively manage their condition. Through evidence-based education, compassionate guidance, and a collaborative approach, we transform the way individuals perceive and manage diabetes. Our mission is rooted in the belief that education and empowerment are the cornerstones of effective diabetes management and that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Each member of our team is a nationally certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES). Our team is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of our clients, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to make informed decisions and achieve optimal health outcomes. We offer a true “partnership” with our clients, offering evidence-based, high quality and personalized education.
Since we started seeing patients in 2024, we have worked with over 500 patients, and we have received referrals from over 130 providers in Central Texas!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We have had some bumps, but not anything we couldn’t overcome together. We are clinicians – the business processes were new to us! So things like initiating contracts with insurance networks were really challenging at first. The learning curve was steep, but we were ready for it!
As you know, we’re big fans of Diabetes and Nutrition Partners, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Diabetes and Nutrition Partners, we know what it means to wear many hats—and how easy it is for people to put their own health last.
We’re a team of licensed nurses and registered dietitians who’ve worked in big hospital systems—and chose to break away to serve people more personally and powerfully. We do it all: answer phones, coach clients, build care plans, and make sure every client feels seen, supported, and understood.
Whether you’re managing diabetes, looking to improve your eating habits, or simply want to feel more in control of your health, we’re here for you. With a deep respect for Texas food and culture and a passion for community wellness, we’re more than healthcare providers—we’re your partners in living a vibrant, healthy life.
Our services include 1) diabetes education, 2) medical nutrition therapy (MNT), and 3) health coaching. Our services are person-centered, taking into account factors like the client’s medical history, lifestyle, cultural preferences, and existing knowledge or resources. We offer telehealth and in-person appointments, and we offer appointments in Spanish.
One thing that sets us apart is that we are LOCAL! The four of us have lived here for many years. We know the providers and healthcare systems. We are involved in community coalitions to improve health on a broader scale, and we are involved in advocacy efforts to improve Texans’ access to high-quality and affordable care. We were even named Health Business of the Year by Austin Business Woman for 2025!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Our team:
Joanne Scott MSN, RN, CDCES, BC-ADM
Beverly Seagren RD, LD, CDCES
Laura Smith RD, LD, CDCES
(me) Katie Wiechnicki MPH, RN, CDCES
We could not have done this alone. Our multi-disciplinary makeup is critical to what we do, but having each other to lean on as partners and friends has kept us going. Our families have been huge cheerleaders and supports as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.diabetesandnutritionpartners.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diabetes_nutrition_partners/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552331739763
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diabetes-and-nutrition-partners-llc/
Image Credits
Krista June Photography
