Complete Health Improvement Program for Geisinger Health Plan Members With Type 2 Diabetes

This is a pilot prospective randomized-controlled trial of 60 patients randomized to either the intervention group; in which patients enroll in the CHIP program, or the control group, in which patients follow their usual diabetes care. We hypothesize that Geisinger Health Plan members with T2DM offered CHIP in addition to standard insurance coverage will have improvement in HbA1c and improvements in other biometrics, biomarkers, psychometrics and utilization/financial outcomes, including LDL-C, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, number of diabetes medications prescribed, Wellbeing360 survey, and total cost of healthcare.

The intervention group will attend 18 classes covering topics such as diet, sleep, exercise instruction, stress management, and toxic substance avoidance. Biometrics (weight, BMI, waist circumference, systolic/diastolic blood pressure), biomarkers (HbA1c, LDL-C) and psychometrics (Wellbeing 360 survey) will be collected on all participants at baseline, 3-months and 6-months.

The CHIP curriculum will be administered during twice weekly 1-hour classes over a 6-week period, followed by weekly 1-hour classes for an additional 6 weeks. The protocol will begin with a 1-month in-person period, with participants subsequently offered the choice between in-person and online attendance for the remaining sessions.

The primary aim is to compare change in HbA1c, LDL-C, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and waist circumference for GHP members offered CHIP versus members offered standard insurance coverage at 3- and 6-months.

Through this pilot study, we hope to gain insight into whether and how such an application of CHIP could be a cost-effective tool for health plans such as GHP to achieve clinical and financial goals for adult members with T2DM.

Inclusion criteria

• Geisinger Health Plan member for a full year prior to enrollment in the study, with plans to remain covered for a full year after the first study visit
• HbA1c resulted within a year of enrollment in the study
• ≥ 18 years
• Current type 2 diabetes diagnosis
• Living in the five-county region served by the Miller Center (Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union) with the ability to arrange their own transportation to the Miller Center in Lewisburg at least 10 times in a 3-month period
• Access to computer, phone, or tablet with sufficient internet to complete program activities.

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of medical condition requiring specific diet (e.g., Celiac disease, phenylketonuria)
• Presence of medical condition contraindicating participation in CHIP, as determined by the Principal Investigator (e.g. cancer on active treatment)
• Pregnancy or plan to become pregnant within one year
• Inability to give informed consent due to mental or psychiatric impairment
• Participation in the Fresh Food Farmacy program