Feeding America Intervention Trial for Health--Diabetes Mellitus

For adults with diabetes mellitus, diabetes self-management education (DSME) is critical to achieving long-term control of blood sugar levels (glycemic control) and preventing diabetes-associated complications. This education is often difficult to access for highly vulnerable and marginalized adults in the United States. Furthermore, foods for a diabetic diet are often out of reach for food insecure households. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which food banks and food pantries can help reach this population with effective DSME, food, and access to primary health care. The investigators' primary outcome of interest is HbA1c improvement in the intervention group compared to a wait-listed control group of food pantry clients living with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.

Inclusion criteria

• Food pantry client at one of three participating food banks: Alameda County Community Food Bank (Oakland, CA), Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan (Detroit, MI), Houston Food Bank, (Houston, TX)
• Type II diabetes mellitus with HbA1c ≥ 7.5% using food bank point-of-care testing
• Reliable mode of contact (either phone or address)
• English or Spanish verbal fluency
• 18 years of age or older
• Intent to remain in the study area for at least the next 12 months
• Willingness to participate in intervention

Exclusion criteria

• Type 1 diabetes
• Pregnant or less than 6 weeks post-partum
• Cognitively impaired: dementia, mental illness, or active substance abuse severe enough to interfere with administration of the survey or participation in the intervention
• Household member already enrolled in the study