Abbott's Healthy Food Rx program has demonstrated promising results in helping people with diabetes improve their diets and overall health, according to research presented at the American Diabetes Association's 85th Scientific Sessions. Conducted by the Public Health Institute Center for Wellness and Nutrition, this randomized controlled clinical trial assessed the impact of the program in Stockton, California, a community with high rates of diabetes.
The study involved 364 participants over six months. It revealed that those enrolled in the Healthy Food Rx program reported significant improvements in diet quality and physical health status compared to a control group. Participants increased their vegetable consumption by 0.37 servings per day versus 0.03 in the control group, while fruit consumption rose by 0.3 servings per day compared to 0.2 for controls.
Moreover, participants reported improved self-reported physical health status from 38% to 63%, significantly higher than the control group's increase from 47% to 50%. A1C levels also decreased in both groups, with reductions of 0.7% in the intervention group and 1.2% among controls, surpassing the clinically significant benchmark of a 0.5% decrease.
The satisfaction rate among participants was notably high; 98% were satisfied with the program, and nearly all used most or all of the provided food. Additionally, two-thirds shared their food boxes with others.
"Living with diabetes in an economically underserved community can present numerous challenges," said Erika Takada, Executive Director at PHI CWN. "Even with a program that reaches participants just twice a month, we are seeing benefits."
Launched in 2021 as part of Abbott's Future WellCommunities initiative, Healthy Food Rx aims to remove barriers preventing healthy living for people with diabetes through home-delivered meal boxes and nutrition education.
Kwabena O. Adubofour from Community Medical Centers emphasized the importance of such programs: "From results like A1C reduction to even personal well-being, participants benefited greatly."
Melissa Brotz of Abbott Fund highlighted how integrating healthy food and nutrition education helps people manage their health more actively.
The trial utilized a delayed intervention design where one group received bi-weekly meal-based food boxes along with educational resources for six months before being extended to a second group after completion.
Abbott partnered with PHI CWN and local organizations to implement this program funded by Abbott Fund and supported by CMC's identification efforts for potential participants.
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