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Every person with diabetes should receive individualized MNT at diagnosis and as needed thereafter to achieve treatment
goals. MNT for diabetes is delivered by a registered dietitian (RD)
following nationally-recognized American Dietetic
Association protocols. MNT includes individualized assessment, intervention,
monitoring, and follow-up of nutrition interventions specific to the
management and treatment of diabetes or kidney disease. MNT
is intensive nutrition counseling and therapy that relies heavily on
follow-up and feedback to change behavior over a period of time. MNT is
cost-effective and is a Medicare reimbursable service when provided by a
registered dietitian. (The American Diabetes Association Standards of
Medical Care in Diabetes –
2006 provides specific recommendations for
MNT).
Given
the established benefits of MNT, every attempt should be made to provide
MNT to all individuals with diabetes. However the IHS recognizes
that certain communities have limited access to a registered dietitian. When providing other nutrition counseling and education in
the absence of an RD, health care professionals within IHS, Tribal and
Urban
(I/T/U) programs should convey consistent, culturally relevant messages.
This includes the use of traditional foods, social and religious
traditions, family and community customs and beliefs.
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