Voucher for Healthy Foods and Diabetes Control: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nutrition Science
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Access to healthy food is crucial for managing diabetes, particularly for food-insecure populations.
• Existing programs vary, and their impact on diabetes control remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of a monthly grocery voucher on diabetes control in food-insecure patients.
• To assess the impact on key health indicators and dietary habits.

Main Methods:

• A randomized parallel-arm clinical trial involving 390 food-insecure patients with HbA1c levels between 6.0% and 11%.
• Participants received either a monthly $65-$85 grocery voucher or usual healthy food access for 6 months.
• Primary outcome was change in HbA1c; secondary outcomes included nutrient levels, fruit/vegetable consumption, and food/financial security.

Main Results:

• The voucher did not significantly change HbA1c levels (mean difference -0.18%).
• It significantly increased self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced food insecurity.
• No significant improvements were observed in financial security or levels of beta-carotene and ascorbic acid.

Conclusions:

• A monthly food voucher intervention did not improve glycemic control (HbA1c) in food-insecure individuals.
• The intervention successfully enhanced self-reported consumption of fruits and vegetables and alleviated food insecurity.
• Further research is needed to explore strategies for improving objective dietary quality and diabetes management outcomes.