Nutrition & Counseling

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Why is Nutrition Important?

Nutrition is a key aspect of health. Maintaining a balanced diet will help you achieve a better quality of life and prevent the onset or progression of many health conditions like obesity and diabetes. Diabetes mellitus, or type 2 diabetes, is a disease that affects millions of Americans - 2 out of 5 Americans are expected to develop type 2 diabetes in the course of their lifetimes. Having a healthy diet is an effective way to prevent or manage diabetes.

Onslow County Health Department offers programs to prevent and to manage diabetes. Please see our Diabetes Prevention Program page and Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support page for more information. To learn more about diabetes, visit the CDC website and and American Diabetes Association website.

Medical Nutrition Therapy

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is nutrition-based treatment provided by a registered dietician nutritionist. It is a key component of diabetes management and includes a nutrition diagnosis as well as therapeutic and counseling services. Medicare covers most, if not all of the cost.

MNT is a treatment that:

  • Is intensive, focused, and comprehensive
  • Involves in-depth individualized nutrition assessment
  • Relies heavily on follow-up to provide repeated reinforcement to aid with behavior change
  • Establishes goals, a care plan, and interventions
  • Plans follow-up visits over time to assist with behavioral and lifestyle changes relative to each individual's nutrition problems and medical condition(s)

Interested in MNT?

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and would like to participate in our MNT services, please see your medical provider and fill out this referral form and fax to (910) 347-0728. For more information about MNT services, call (910) 989-3988.

Once you have an appointment, you will need the following items for your visit:

  • 24 hour food diary (PDF)
  • Insurance card(s)
  • Proof of household income (tax returns, pay stub)

Additional Resources

Eat Smart, Move More NC

MyPlate

Adult Nutrition (CDC)

Infant  and Toddler Nutrition (CDC)