Northwest Kidney Centers, the largest nonprofit dialysis provider in Washington, has launched a new Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) program to help people with kidney disease stay healthier longer – and potentially avoid dialysis altogether.
Designed for people in Stage 3 or later of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the program pairs patients with registered dietitians for personalized, one-on-one support. Initial sessions include reviewing medical history, identifying dietary concerns, and working together to create personalized, culturally appropriate nutrition plans to manage not only kidney disease, but also related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Follow-up visits provide ongoing support, health monitoring, and adjustments based on the patient’s needs.
“Research consistently shows that early diet management can significantly help people with chronic kidney disease slow or even stop their disease progression,” said Gregory Wisont, the registered dietitian who leads the program. “Yet fewer than 15% of patients receive medical nutrition therapy before reaching end-stage renal disease. We want to change that.”
Wisont said the program is designed to give patients practical tools, knowledge, and encouragement to take charge of their health and manage their condition more effectively.
For Clarence F., 84, who has Stage 4 kidney disease, the program has been life changing. He learned about Northwest Kidney Centers from a friend at his senior center, then joined a free CKD nutrition class. That eventually led to working one-on-one with Greg.
Since starting MNT, Clarence has substantially changed his diet, tracks his weight and blood pressure daily, and shares results with Greg. He credits the sessions with giving him the tools and confidence to manage his health, and with helping him avoid dialysis.
“After sessions with Greg, I feel like I have more control of my life,” Clarence said. “I have more knowledge and look forward to going to see him.”
Among one of the most helpful tips he’s learned: “If the sodium (listed on a nutrition label) is higher than the calories, I don’t eat it!”
Clarence said their close relationship has been a vital source of support – not only for him, but also for his daughter who lives out of state. Greg keeps her updated regularly.
“Greg is easy to talk to and truly cares about me and his patients,” Clarence said. “I probably wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him.”
Northwest Kidney Centers is currently accepting physician referrals for the MNT program via its website. Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Apple Health, cover Medical Nutrition Therapy as a preventive service. To learn more, visit https://www.nwkidney.org/living-with-kidney-disease/nutrition-and-fitness/medical-nutrition-therapy.
Jessica Singleton is marketing and communications manager for Northwest Kidney Centers.
