Effect of an Intensive Food-as-Medicine Program on Health and Health Care Use: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Primary result · HbA1cResult — go to the resultAdjusted mean difference −0.10 95% CI −0.46 to 0.25Authors' conclusion
In this randomized clinical trial, an intensive food-as-medicine program increased engagement with preventive health care but did not improve glycemic control compared with usual care among adult participants. Programs targeted to individuals with elevated biomarkers require a control group to demonstrate effectiveness to account for improvements that occur without the intervention. Additional research is needed to design food-as-medicine programs that improve health.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with T2D, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥8%, food insecurity, residing in service area of participating clinics; large integrated health system, mid-Atlantic US465 completed
- Participants
- 500 adults
- Comparison
- Intensive food-as-medicine program immediately vs 6 months later
- Treatmentn = 170
- Controln = 179reference
- Primary endpoint
- HbA1c level
- Follow-up
- 6 months
Methodological detailsstratified, wait list design, 2 sites (1 rural, 1 urban), Conducted April 19, 2019, to September 16, 2022; follow-up 1 year
- Stratified
- Wait list design
- 2 sites (1 rural, 1 urban)
- Conducted April 19, 2019, to September 16, 2022; follow-up 1 year
Primary result
HbA1c
Adjusted mean difference
−0.10
95% CI −0.46 to 0.25
P = 0.57
Treatmentvs Control
adjusted mean difference −0.10 (95% CI −0.46 to 0.25); P = 0.57
As reported in the abstract
Secondary outcomes
Dietitian visits
Self-reported improved diet from 1 year earlier
| Outcome | Treatment | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Active prescription orders for metformin | 58.26 | 50.64 |
| Active prescription orders for GLP-1 medications | 49.56 | 35.32 |
Original publication
Effect of an Intensive Food-as-Medicine Program on Health and Health Care Use: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. Published 1 February 2024. doi:10.
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