The CARING Study: Creating and Restoring Health Through Nutrition Guidance

Launched by PHYSICIANS COMMITTEE FOR RESPONSIBLE MEDICINE · Mar 20, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The CARING Study is a research project that looks at how nutrition education can help people with type 2 diabetes who are treated with insulin. The goal is to see if learning about healthy eating can improve health and also reduce healthcare costs for both patients and the insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield. If you are 18 years or older, have type 2 diabetes, and have been a Blue Cross Blue Shield member for at least a year, you may be eligible to participate.

Participants in the study will need to follow a plant-based diet for the first 16 weeks and attend weekly online classes during that time. They should also maintain their usual level of physical activity. However, there are some exclusions, such as those with type 1 diabetes, certain medical conditions, or those who smoke or abuse alcohol. This study is a great opportunity to learn more about nutrition and its impact on diabetes management while potentially contributing to important healthcare research.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• 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 condition that would affect body weight, such as a pituitary abnormality or Cushing's syndrome
• • 2. Smoking during the past six months
• • 3. Alcohol consumption of more than 2 drinks per day or the equivalent, episodic increased drinking (e.g., more than 2 drinks per day on weekends), or a history of alcohol abuse or dependency followed by any current use
• • 4. Current or unresolved past drug abuse
• • 5. Recently gave birth, pregnant, or plans to become pregnant before or during the study period
• • 6. Unstable medical or psychiatric status
• • 7. Cancer diagnosis
• • 8. Chronic kidney disease, stage 4 or 5
• • 9. Evidence of an eating disorder
• • 10. Lack of English fluency
• • 11. Bariatric surgery in the last 6 months
• • 12. Dementia
• • 13. Institutional custodial care
• • 14. End of life
• • 15. Palliative Care
• • 16. Actively engaged in specific BCBSM diabetes programs and case management programs