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Nutrition Services
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)
Living with Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant). More than 34 million Americans are living with diabetes, and an estimated 88 million Americans have prediabetes. You don't have to go through it alone. Onslow County can help!
Living with Diabetes in Onslow County
The Onslow County Health Department hosts a Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support or "DSMES" for individuals newly diagnosed with diabetes. DSMES is a series of classes and one-on-one appointments designed to help you understand your diabetes, maintain and control your blood sugar, and decrease your risk of developing other illnesses related to type 2 diabetes. This program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association and taught by a registered dietician and registered nurse to empower you with the necessary information you need to make small changes to your daily routine. Research has shown that people who take a DSMES class, make small sustainable changes to their diet and lifestyle, and take their medications as directed have a better quality of life and live longer.
Take CHARGE of your Diabetes TODAY!
Have your physician fill out this referral form and fax to 910-347-0728.