At the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions, late-breaking research highlighted the positive impact of Abbott’s Healthy Food Rx program—a “food is medicine” initiative. The findings revealed that the program helped people with diabetes improve their diet and feel healthier.
A Rare Clinical Trial in Nutrition-Based Care
One of the few randomized controlled clinical trials in this area, the study was conducted by the Public Health Institute Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN). Over six months, researchers evaluated the program’s impact on 364 adults with diabetes living in food-insecure, low-income communities.
As per the Abbott press release, participants in the Healthy Food Rx program received home-delivered meal-based food boxes along with nutrition education, offering a holistic approach to diabetes management.
Significant Gains in Diet Quality
The trial showed meaningful dietary improvements. Participants in the intervention group:
- Increased vegetable consumption significantly more than the control group (0.37 vs. 0.03 servings per day; p = 0.007).
- Boosted fruit intake, although the difference compared to the control group was not statistically significant (0.3 vs. 0.2 servings per day; p = 0.232).
These findings suggest that even limited intervention—just twice a month—can promote healthier eating habits.
Self-Reported Health Status Shows Strong Improvement
Participants also reported notable improvements in their physical health:
- In the intervention group, self-reported health status rose from 38% to 63% over six months (p < 0.001).
- The control group saw only a modest increase from 47% to 50% (p = 0.453), indicating a statistically significant difference between groups (p < 0.001).
Both Groups Show Clinically Meaningful Reductions in A1C
Interestingly, A1C levels—a key marker of long-term blood sugar control—improved in both groups:
- Healthy Food Rx participants reduced A1C by 0.7%.
- Control group participants saw a 1.2% reduction.
Both reductions exceed the 0.5% benchmark recognized as clinically meaningful, underscoring the multifaceted nature of diabetes care.
High Satisfaction and Community Sharing
The program also resonated strongly with participants:
- 98% reported satisfaction, and 97% used all or most of the food provided.
- 67% shared their food with two or more people.
- A remarkable 99% said they would recommend the program to others.
This community-centered approach extended the benefits beyond the immediate recipients.
Expert Voices Emphasize the Program’s Value
“Living with diabetes in an economically underserved community brings unique challenges—from limited access to healthy food to inadequate healthcare,” said Erika Takada, Executive Director of PHI CWN. “Yet, even with minimal contact, the program helped participants eat better and feel healthier, proving the critical role nutrition plays in managing chronic diseases.”
Wider Reach and Long-Term Potential
Launched in 2021, Healthy Food Rx is now one of the largest food-as-medicine programs in the U.S., having served over 1,700 participants. These new findings reinforce earlier results from a 12-month study that also showed significant health improvements among diabetic participants.
Frontline Impact in High-Risk Communities
“Programs like Healthy Food Rx are vital in cities like Stockton, where diabetes rates are alarmingly high,” said Dr. Kwabena O. Adubofour, a board-certified diabetologist at Community Medical Centers. “Participants gained access to nutrition that improved both their glycemic control and overall well-being.”
Advancing Holistic Diabetes Care
Melissa Brotz, president of the Abbott Fund and senior vice president of Global Marketing and External Affairs at Abbott, concluded: “These findings advance our understanding of how food and nutrition education can remove barriers to care. We’re helping people feel empowered and take active steps to manage their health.”