Medical Nutrition Therapy,(MNT), is an evidence-based medical approach to treating certain chronic conditions through the use of a nutrition plan. MNT can be defined as “a nutrition diagnosis as well as therapeutic and counseling services to help manage diabetes.” It is a key component of diabetes education and management. The nutrition plan created is ordered and approved by a primary care physician and implemented by a Registered Dietitian. The plan is carefully made for any certain needs of the patient.
At a MNT visit, dietitians counsel patients on behavioral and lifestyle changes required to positively affect long-term eating habits and health. Every dietitian visit includes both an assessment and an education portion. During an assessment, the dietitian evaluates the patient’s physical state, and assess overall nutritional needs.
Dietitians will take the information they’ve gathered in the assessment and provide patient-centered goals and individualized nutrition recommendations.