Testing of a Culinary Medicine Intervention for Racially/Ethnically Diverse Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Natalia I Heredia1, Lorena Macias-Navarro1, Diana C Guevara1
1Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX.
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
|January 17, 2025
Summary
A virtual culinary medicine program improved healthy eating behaviors and reduced HbA1c in adults with type 2 diabetes. This pilot study suggests potential for clinical integration.
Area of Science:
- Dietary science
- Endocrinology
- Public health
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes management often requires lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes.
- Traditional in-person interventions may face accessibility barriers for some patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual culinary medicine program for adults with type 2 diabetes.
- To assess improvements in healthy eating, HbA1c, and related health behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods, intervention-only pilot study involving 104 patients from a primary care system.
- A five-session virtual program delivered via video conferencing, with participants cooking at home.
- Statistical analysis included multilevel mixed-effects regression and framework analysis of interviews.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in MyPlate knowledge, cooking self-efficacy, fruit and vegetable intake, and healthy eating behaviors.
- Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels significantly decreased from pretest to posttest and at 6-month follow-up.
- Participants reported high satisfaction and sustained adoption of new healthy habits.
Conclusions:
- The virtual culinary medicine program demonstrated positive impacts on healthy eating, cooking behaviors, and glycemic control (HbA1c) in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- This program shows promise as a brief, accessible intervention that could be integrated into clinical practice.
- Further rigorous research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger, diverse populations.
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