This study is designed to test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)-augmented food is medicine (FIM) intervention for adults with type 2 diabetes and nutrition or food insecurity. This study will learn if a FIM intervention ("intervention") that includes access to real-time CGM and nutrition counseling can increase engagement, improve glycemic management, and support healthy eating in this population, compared to the FIM intervention alone ("comparator"). At the study baseline, participants will be randomized to either the intervention or the comparator arm for 16 weeks. The intervention will occur during the first 12 weeks (phase 1: intervention phase) and will be compared to a standard FIM approach without CGM or counseling. Phase 2 (extension phase) will last 4 weeks and will consist of all participants in the intervention and comparator arm receiving both FIM and CGM for self-directed use. The study will also explore participant experiences through a series of semi-structured interviews with a subset of randomly selected participants to identify opportunities for scaling the intervention to a broader population.
This study is designed to test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a CGM-augmented FIM intervention for adults with type 2 diabetes and nutrition or food insecurity. The study will enroll adults with type 2 diabetes not using insulin/secretagogues or CGM to be randomized 1:1 to the CGM-augmented FIM intervention (intervention arm) or a standard FIM intervention (comparator arm) for 12 weeks. All participants (N=60) will wear blinded CGM for 10 to 14-days at baseline and at week 12, and complete two random 24-hour dietary recalls during each blinded CGM wear-time. Participants in the intervention arm will wear real-time CGM for the duration of the 12-week intervention and receive a series of structured counseling sessions with a registered dietician. Following the 12-week intervention, all participants will receive both FIM intervention and wear real-time CGM for a 4-week extension phase. FIM intervention will be provided in the form of electronic healthy food vouchers. At the 12-week and 16-week timepoints, participants will provide outcome data including blinded CGM data, hemoglobin A1c, dietary intake, and other patient-reported outcomes and feedback on their experience using questionnaires. After study completion, a subset of sampled participants will be invited to complete a semi-structured interview regarding their experience with the study. Participants in the intervention group will be invited after the completion of the intervention (beginning week 13) and participants in the comparator group will be invited to interview after completion of the entire study (beginning week 17). The primary outcomes measuring study feasibility and acceptability will collect data related to CGM and FIM use, including overall retention and phase completion, CGM wear-time, use of food subsidy, completion of meal logs, and satisfaction for the intervention. The primary outcomes measuring efficacy will collect diabetes outcomes, glycemic management, and a suite of patient-reported outcomes. Quantitative and qualitative results will be used to improve the intervention prior to rollout of a subsequent multicenter, fully powered randomized trial.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
60
The intervention arm will receive electronic healthy foods vouchers and unblinded, real-time CGM sensors for 16-weeks, in addition to individualized nutrition counseling with a registered dietician for 5-8 sessions (all participants will attend 5 sessions, with up to three additional sessions scheduled as needed based a set of a-priori decision rules).
The comparator arm will receive electronic healthy foods vouchers and healthy eating resources and self-directed nutrition education. This group will not receive unblinded CGM sensors or any nutrition counseling for the first 12 weeks. This group will receive 30-days of unblinded CGM sensors to use in the extension phase only.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
RECRUITINGChange in percent of Time in Range (TIR)
When using the blinded continuous glucose monitors (CGM), the percentage of sensor values between 70-180 mg/dL will be measured using 7-14 days of retrospective data at each time-point. Change in TIR will be calculated across time-points.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12
Change in percent of Time Below Range (TBR)
When using the blinded continuous glucose monitors (CGM), the percentage of sensor values in the hypoglycemic range (\<70 mg/dL) will be measured using 7-14 days of retrospective data at each time-point. Change in TBR will be calculated across time-points.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12
Change in percent of Time Above Range (TAR)
When using the blinded continuous glucose monitors (CGM), the percentage of sensor values in the hyperglycemia range (\>180 mg/dL) will be measured using 7-14 days of retrospective data at each time-point. Change in TAR will be calculated across time-points.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12
Glycemic variability
When using the blinded continuous glucose monitors (CGM), glycemic variability will be assessed using the coefficient of variation (%CV). Change in %CV will be calculated across time-points.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12
Change in Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
HbA1c (%) reflects average glucose over the past 2-3 months. Value will be assessed by standardized laboratory assay for trial baseline and endpoint.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12
Change in Healthy Eating Index (HEI) Score based on two 24-hour recalls
Participants will be contacted to collect two 24-hour dietary recalls per timepoint. Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores will be calculated based on the recall responses using a scoring system providing cumulative points for participants eating from a select list of healthy food categories. The scores range from 0 to 100. An ideal overall Healthy Eating Index score of 100 reflects that the set of foods aligns with key dietary recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12, Post-extension at Week 16
Change in Mediterranean diet scores
Participants will be contacted to collect two 24-hour dietary recalls per timepoint. Mediterranean diet scores will be calculated based on the recall responses using a scoring system providing cumulative points for participants eating a set amount of serving from a select list of healthy food categories. The scores range from 0 to 9. An ideal overall Mediterranean diet score of 9 reflects that the set of foods aligns with key dietary recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-Intervention at Week 12, Post-extension at Week 16
Change in Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Scores
Participants will be contacted to collect two 24-hour dietary recalls per timepoint. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) scores will be calculated based on the recall responses using a scoring system providing cumulative points for participants eating a set amount of serving from a select list of healthy food categories. The scores range from 8 to 40. An ideal overall DASH score of 40 reflects that the set of foods aligns with key dietary recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-Intervention at Week 12, Post-extension at Week 16
Change in food security using the USDA Food Security Survey Module
Self-reported United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Household Food Security Survey will be measured using the 6-item short form with a 30-day lookback period. Responses of either "often", "sometimes", and "yes" on the questionnaire are added up to produce a total raw score, which will be used to measure changes across timepoints in the study. A total raw score of 0-1 indicates high or marginal food security, 2-4 indicates low food security, and 5-6 indicates very low food security.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12, Post-extension at Week 16
Change in the presence and/or degree of nutrition security from the Two-item Nutrition Security Screener (NSS)
Self-reported 2-item Nutrition Security Screener will be measured to assess the presence and/or degree of nutrition security with the following question: "Thinking about the last 12 months, how hard was it for you or your household to regularly get and eat healthy foods?" The scale yields a nutrition security score based on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from "Very Hard" to "Not hard at all". Responses of "Very Hard", "Hard", or "Somewhat Hard" yield the presence of nutrition insecurity.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-Intervention at Week 12, Post-extension at Week 16
Change in the summed nutrition barrier score from the Two-item Nutrition Security Screener (NSS)
Self-reported 2-item Nutrition Security Screener will be measured to assess sum of reasons of nutrition barriers with the following question: "People have different reasons for eating or not eating healthy foods. Please tell me which, if any, of the following reasons were true for you or your household in the last 12 months." Participants will have 14 choices to choose from indicating their reason(s) for nutrition barriers, with each reason counting as a score of 1. There is no limit on the number of choices. Each reason checked off will be summed for a total score used to compare between the timepoints for changes in nutrition barrier score.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-Intervention at Week 12, Post-extension at Week 16
Change in the One-Item Gretchen Swanson Nutrition Screener
Self-reported 1-item Gretchen Swanson Nutrition Screener will be measured to assess the participant's needs for support around accessing healthy foods by asking the following question: "In the last 12 months, I worried that the food I was able to eat would hurt my health and well-being." The scale yields a score based on the response rated on a 6-point Likert scale, ranging from Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, Always, and Don't know. Responses with "Sometimes", "Often", and "Always" yields a positive screen, indicating a need for support around accessing healthful foods. Responses with "Never", "Rarely", and "Don't know" yields a negative screen to indicate no need for support around accessing healthful foods.
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Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-Intervention at Week 12, Post-extension at Week 16
Change in Core Diabetes Distress using the Type 2 Diabetes Distress Assessment System (T2-DDAS) Core Score
Self-reported core diabetes distress will be measured using the 29-item Type 2 Diabetes Distress Assessment System (T2-DDAS) Core Score. The scale yields a core score that is the average of all core questions (first 8 items) responses rated on a 5-point Likert scale for all 8 items (range 1-5), with higher scores indicating higher distress. A score \>= 2.0 is considered clinically significant diabetes distress.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12, Post-extension at Week 16
Change in Sources of Diabetes Distress using the Type 2 Diabetes Distress Assessment System (T2-DDAS) Source Scores
Self-reported sources of diabetes distress will be measured using the 7 source scales of the 29-item Type 2 Diabetes Distress Assessment System (T2-DDAS) source scale. In addition to the core score, the T2-DDAS scale also yields a score for each of 7 source scales based on the average response on all of the remaining items in the 29-item survey. The 7 source scale scores include: Management Demands, Hypoglycemia, Interpersonal issues, Healthcare provider, Shame/Stigma, Long-term Health, and Healthcare Access. Each of these is measured the same way, on the same 5-point Likert scale (range 1-5), with higher scores indicating higher distress. A score \>= 2.0 is considered clinically significant diabetes distress for each source.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12, Post-extension at Week 16
Changes in the Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitor (BenCGM)
Self-reported BenCGM 8-item survey will be measured. The scale yields a score based on the scale mean taken across all items based on a Likert 5-point scale ranging from 1-5, with a choice of 1 being "Strongly Disagree" to a choice of 5 indicating "Strongly Agree." Changes will be calculated between timepoints
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12, Post-extension at Week 16
Changes in the Burdens of Continuous Glucose Monitor (BurCGM)
Self-reported BurCGM 8-item survey will be measured. The scale yields a score based on the scale mean taken across all items based on a Likert 5-point scale ranging from 1-5, with a choice of 1 being "Strongly Disagree" to a choice of 5 indicating "Strongly Agree.". Changes will be calculated between timepoints.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12, Post-extension at Week 16
Changes in the 10-item Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ) with a lookback of 30 days.
The 10-item Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ) is a validated instrument used to self-report fruit and vegetables intake across different various types of foods. Responses to each question will be sorted either as a fruit, vegetable, or both to generate a score based on intake frequency per month, with choices ranging from "Never" to "6 or more times a day" Results will be calculated by converting the response to cup equivalent estimates of average daily dietary intake and compared across study timepoints.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-Intervention at Week 12, Post-extension at Week 16
Change in Physical Activity Levels
A self-reported Previous Day Physical Activity Recall (PDPAR) will be administered in interview calls measuring frequency of activity from the prior day at the time of the call. Information regarding activity type and intensity levels (ranging light, moderate, hard, and very hard) will be asked for every hour of the wake spent awake. Intensity levels will be used to calculate metabolic equivalent task (MET) values corresponding to each level of intensity to evaluate energy expenditure. MET values will be compared against different timepoints of the study and between study arms.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12, Post-extension at Week 16
Change in Food Assistance enrollment (SNAP / WIC) in the last 30 days.
Participants will self-report the following question: "Have you received federal food assistance through either SNAP or WIC in the past 30 days." Changes in response of either yes or no will be compared between timepoints.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12
Changes in financial strain, from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Social Needs Screening Tool
Participants will self-report the following question from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Social Needs Screening Tool: "How often does this describe you? I don't have money to pay my bills (including food, housing, medical care or heating). Never / Rarely / Sometimes / Often / Always" Responses of "Sometimes", "Often", and "Always" yield a positive screen, with a response of "Never" and "Rarely" yielding a negative screen. Scores will be compared between timepoints.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12
Change in General Health Status
Participants will self-report the following question from the General Health Status: "Would you say that in general your health is excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor?" Response will be compared between timepoints.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12
Change in EuroQol 5 Dimension, 5 Level (EQ-5D-5L)
The EuroQol 5 Dimension, 5 Level (EQ-5D-5L) is a self-reported questionnaire that measures general health status in the realms of mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Responses to the 5 questions are based on a Likert 5-point scale measuring severity of problem, with 1 indicating no problems and 5 indicating severe problems. Responses for each question will be concatenated to a 5-digit state in order of mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain discomfort, and anxiety/depression, and then converted to an index score between 0-1. A higher score indicates greater quality of life. Index scores will be compared between timepoints .
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12
Change in overall health status in the EuroQol 5 Dimensions, 5 Level (EQ-5D-5L)
The EuroQol 5 Dimension, 5 Level (EQ-5D-5L) is a self-reported questionnaire that measures general health status in the realms of mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. In the end of the questionnaire, there is a visual analog scale measuring overall health status with the prompt: "We would like to know how good or bad your health is TODAY". Participants will slide the scale to indicate a number ranging from 0 being "The worst health you can imagine" to 100 being "The best health you can imagine". Responses to this question will be compared between timepoints.
Time frame: Baseline at Week 0, Post-intervention at Week 12