Healthy Food Incentives for Type 2 Diabetes
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a program offering financial incentives to people with type 2 diabetes to buy healthy foods, aiming to improve blood sugar control and reduce diabetes complications. The trial compares two groups: one receives a healthy food prescription with financial support, and the other receives only the healthy food prescription. It focuses on adults with ongoing high blood sugar who struggle to afford enough food. Participants should speak English or have someone to translate for them. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could make healthy eating more accessible for those with diabetes.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems to focus on dietary changes rather than medication adjustments.
What prior data suggests that this healthy food prescription incentive program is safe?
Research has shown that healthy food prescription programs are generally safe for participants. These programs aim to improve diet and health by encouraging the consumption of more whole, less processed foods. One study found that these programs can enhance diet quality and assist with food security, making them a well-accepted option for participants.
Another study demonstrated that these programs led to positive changes in eating habits and reduced risks related to heart and blood sugar issues, such as high blood pressure or high blood sugar. No major safety concerns or negative effects were reported in these studies, indicating that participants generally handle these programs well.
In summary, evidence suggests that healthy food prescription programs are safe and may improve health by promoting better eating habits and managing blood sugar levels.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike the standard treatment options for type 2 diabetes, which often include medication and lifestyle counseling, the healthy food prescription is unique because it directly incentivizes dietary changes through a financial subsidy. Researchers are excited about this approach because it not only provides guidance on healthy eating but also makes it more accessible by giving participants a weekly financial incentive to purchase minimally processed foods. This method aims to tackle the root of dietary habits, potentially improving long-term health outcomes by making healthier food choices easier and more affordable.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for type 2 diabetes?
Research has shown that programs offering healthy food prescriptions might help reduce food insecurity and improve diet quality, which are important for managing type 2 diabetes. In this trial, participants in the "Subsidized Healthy Food Prescription Incentive" arm will receive a weekly incentive to purchase healthy foods, potentially helping to control blood sugar levels by encouraging more nutritious eating habits. Meanwhile, participants in the "Healthy Food Prescription Comparison" arm will receive a one-time healthy food prescription pamphlet, similar to standard nutrition counseling. Some studies have found that these types of programs can lead to better eating habits, supporting improved health for people with diabetes. However, one study found that giving a monthly voucher for healthy foods did not significantly improve diabetes control, showing mixed results. Overall, while these programs have potential, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.12346
Who Is on the Research Team?
Dana Olstad, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Calgary
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 18-85 with type 2 diabetes and persistent high blood sugar, who struggle to afford healthy food. Participants must speak English or have a translator, not plan extensive travel outside Canada, be able to shop at certain supermarkets, and not live in meal-providing facilities.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive a healthy food prescription pamphlet and a weekly incentive to purchase healthy foods for 12 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in blood glucose levels, diet quality, and other health outcomes
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Healthy food incentive
- Healthy food prescription
- Healthy food subsidy
Trial Overview
The study tests if giving incentives to buy healthy foods can better control blood sugar in diabetics facing food insecurity than just prescribing healthy foods. It includes a randomized controlled trial comparing these two approaches.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants will receive a one-time healthy food prescription pamphlet from their healthcare provider and a weekly incentive of $10.50/household member to purchase healthy foods in supermarkets for 12 months. The list of incentive-eligible foods includes whole, minimally processed foods with little to no added fat, sugar or salt from all food groups.
Participants will receive a one-time healthy food prescription pamphlet from their healthcare provider. The pamphlet closely mimics current standard of care for patients with diabetes in Alberta (i.e., nutrition counselling).
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Calgary
Lead Sponsor
Nu Skin Enterprises
Industry Sponsor
Nu Skin
Collaborator
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborator
Alberta Blue Cross
Collaborator
Alberta Innovates Health Solutions
Collaborator
Alberta Health services
Collaborator
Citations
Healthy food prescription incentive programme for adults ...
Healthy food prescription programmes may reduce food insecurity and support patients to improve their diet quality, prevent diabetes complications and avoid ...
Voucher for Healthy Foods and Diabetes Control
Findings In this randomized clinical trial of 390 adults, a monthly voucher that allowed access to healthy foods did not improve diabetes ...
Healthy food prescription incentive programme for adults with ...
Healthy food prescription programmes may reduce food insecurity and support patients to improve their diet quality, prevent diabetes ...
Healthy Food Prescription Programs and their Impact on ...
Two-thirds of the individual studies, including 1 of the randomized trials, reported a positive effect on dietary outcomes over this time frame. In conclusion, ...
Impact of Produce Prescriptions on Diet, Food Security ...
Produce prescriptions may improve cardiometabolic health by increasing fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption and food insecurity.
NCT04828785 | Food As MedicinE for Diabetes
Our research team has developed a medically tailored meal intervention that combines provision of healthy food, tailored to the specific nutrition needs of the ...
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