The CARING Study: Creating and Restoring Health Through Nutrition Guidance
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Summary
The CARING study assesses the health benefits of nutrition education for Blue Cross Blue Shield subscribers, as well as potential healthcare cost savings to subscribers and the insurance company.
Description
Among Blue Cross Blue Shield subscribers, individuals with type 2 diabetes will be randomly selected and invited to participate in an interventional trial. A control group matched for relevant variables will be selected from Blue Cross Blue Shield subscribers. The Intervention group participants will be asked to attend weekly online classes on nutrition and health and to follow a low-fat, vegan diet for 16 weeks. Body weight, plasma lipids, HbA1C, dietary intake and adherence, and food acceptability will be assessed at baseline and at 16 weeks. Their longer-term medical utilization will then…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Blue Cross Blue Shield subscriber continuously enrolled for the prior 12 months 2. Male or female 3. Age at least 18 years 4. Have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes 5. Ability and willingness to participate in all components of the study, including: 1. Following a plant-based diet for the initial 16 weeks of the study; 2. Attending weekly online classes for the initial 16 weeks of the study; and 3. Keeping physical activity level consistent throughout the initial 16 weeks of the study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Diabetes mellitus type 1 or history of any endocrine…
Interventions
- BehavioralLow-fat, vegan diet
The intervention diet consists of whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits, with no restriction on energy intake. Participants will also be guided to favor foods with a low glycemic index. Animal products and added oils will be excluded. The diet is designed to derive approximately 10% of energy from fat, approximately 10-15% of energy from protein, and the remainder from mostly complex carbohydrates. The diet will also provide approximately 40 g of fiber per day.
Location
- Physicians Committee for Responsible MedicineWashington D.C., District of Columbia