Study Title
Farming for Life: Impact of Medical Prescriptions for Fresh Vegetables on Cardiometabolic Health for Adults with or at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in a Predominantly Mexican-American Population.
Principal Investigator
David Kerr, Souptik Barua, Namino Glantz, Casey Conneely, Mary Kujan, Wendy Bevier, Arianna Larez, Ashutosh Sabharwal.
Affiliation
- Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, Santa Barbara, California, USA
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA.
Start Date
February 2019.
End Date
March 2020.
Study Objective
To assess the impact of medical prescriptions for fresh vegetables on cardiometabolic outcomes among adults with or at risk of type 2 diabetes, primarily focusing on a predominantly Mexican-American population.
Short Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of fresh vegetable prescriptions on adults at risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) or with non-insulin treated T2D. Over a 10-week period, participants received 21 servings of fresh vegetables weekly. Significant improvements were noted in waist circumference, systolic blood pressure (especially for those with baseline SBP >130 mm Hg), and HbA1c in participants with baseline HbA1c >7.0%. Additionally, there were reductions in food insecurity, soda and tortilla consumption, and improvements in sleep, mood, and pain levels.
Study Design
Prospective observational cohort design with pre- and post-intervention data collection.
Population
159 adults (122 females), 75% of whom were of Mexican heritage. The participants either had non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes or were at risk of developing it.
Sample Size
Paired data were available for 131 participants.
Inclusion Criteria
Adults aged ≥18 years, self-reported diagnosis of type 2 diabetes or at risk for developing it.
Exclusion Criteria
Current or previous use of insulin, pregnancy, or any active disease that could interfere with participation.
Intervention/Exposure
Weekly medical prescriptions for fresh vegetables (organic and non-organic) picked within 72 hours of distribution. The participants received 21 servings of vegetables per week over 10 weeks.
Outcome Measures
- Waist circumference reduction
- Systolic blood pressure improvement
- HbA1c reduction in those with baseline HbA1c >7.0%
- Reduced food insecurity
- Lower consumption of tortillas and soda
- Improved sleep, mood, and pain scores.
Funding Source
US Department of Agriculture (Grant number: 2018-33800-28404), Hearst Foundation, Mosher Foundation, Sun Life Financial, St. Francis Foundation, Blooming Prairie Foundation.
Collaborating Institutions
Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, Rice University.
Ethics Approval
Independent Review Board (Advarra IRB).
Publication Status
Published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, 2020.
Keywords
Medical prescriptions, fresh vegetables, type 2 diabetes, cardiometabolic health, food insecurity.
Data Collection Methods
Data on waist circumference, blood pressure, HbA1c, food security, and self-reported outcomes (sleep, mood, pain) were collected at baseline and at the 3-month follow-up.
Primary Data Availability
Data available upon reasonable request from the lead investigator.
Contact Information
Dr. David Kerr, Sansum Diabetes Research Institute,