Medically Tailored Meal Delivery for Diabetes Patients with Food Insecurity: a Randomized Cross-over Trial

Top Things to Know

The medically tailored meal program significantly increased Healthy Eating Index scores (from 39.9 to 71.3), demonstrating improved adherence to healthier dietary patterns.

Food insecurity rates decreased from 62% to 42%, and self-reported hypoglycemia episodes dropped from 64% to 47%, indicating meaningful benefits for vulnerable populations.

Medically tailored meal programs could be a promising strategy for improving health outcomes among food-insecure patients with chronic diseases. Long-term studies are needed to confirm clinical benefits such as HbA1c control and reduced healthcare utilization.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The randomized cross-over trial examined the impact of a medically tailored meal delivery program on individuals with type 2 diabetes and food insecurity. Over 24 weeks, participants received 12 weeks of usual care with a healthy eating brochure and 12 weeks of meal delivery in random order. Compared to the usual care, the medically tailored meal improved their dietary quality (mean Healthy Eating Index score increased from 39.9 to 71.3), reducing food insecurity (62% to 42%), and decreasing hypoglycemia (64% to 47%). The meals, tailored to medical needs, also enhanced mental health-related quality of life. While short-term, the study highlights the potential of such programs to improve health outcomes for socioeconomically vulnerable populations and calls for further long-term research on clinical and cost-effectiveness.