It’s clear that many of the leading causes of death in South Carolina are related to nutrition, and can be prevented or delayed by medical nutrition therapy. This service, provided by registered dietitians at MUSC, involves personalized plans for diet management, nutrition education, weight control, exercise and behavior modification.

Medical nutrition therapy has shown positive results for adult and pediatric patients with a variety of conditions, including cancer, obesity, diabetes, renal disease, prenatal care, burns, failure to thrive, AIDS and cardiovascular disease. Treatment plans range from diet modifications to the administration of specialized therapies such as parenteral or enteral feedings. Nutrition services are available to all patients with conditions that place them at risk for nutrition-related complications.

How it helps

• diabetes—improves HgA1C (test showing long-term glucose control); prevents complications such as nephropathy (complications relating to the kidney) and neuropathy (tingling or numbness in hands and feet)
• cancer—helps maintain desirable weights and prevent recurrence
• renal disease—delays need for dialysis and slows disease progression
• hyperlipidemia patients—improves lipid profiles and decreases risk of heart disease
• fetal development—helps manage gestational diabetes and provides ad- equate nutrients for proper fetal growth
• hypertension—helps patients reduce sodium and fat intake, promotes exercise and smoking cessation, and reduces incidence of stroke

Cuts Costs

Medical nutrition therapy produces savings for hospitals, physicians and patients by preventing hospitalization, shortening hospital stays and decreasing complications. Evidence of other savings includes a decreased need for medicines, surgeries and other costly treatments. According to the American Diabetic Association, an analysis of nearly 2,400 case studies of patients who received medical nutrition therapy showed that, on average, $8,000 per patient can be saved.

Registered dietitians

At MUSC, registered dietitians are considered core members of the health care team. The registered dietitians nutrition expertise is acquired through an advanced degree in nutrition science and completion of an internship. After passing the national registration exam, many dietitians receive further specialization in diabetes and nutrition support. Nutrition services offered at MUSC Any patient requiring medical nutrition therapy can be scheduled with an MUSC registered dietitian. For consultation or referrals, call MUSC Health Connection at 792-1414.

Editor's note: The article is reprinted from MDialogue newsletter, a physician liaison program publication.