Fruit and Vegetable Prescriptions Improve Health
In a recent study published in Circulation, large, multisite produce prescription programs were associated with significant improvements in fruit and vegetable intake, food security, and health status for adults and children. At the conclusion of the food prescription program, participants experienced clinically relevant improvements in A1C, blood pressure, and body weight.
However, for this food-is-medicine strategy to work, it’s clear that the people will need long-term support.
The idea of food as medicine dates back to the ancient Greek doctor Hippocrates, and this new study adds to the evidence that a diet full of fruits and vegetables can help improve heart health.
Researchers evaluated the impact of “produce prescriptions,” which provide free fruits and vegetables to people with diet-related diseases including diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. The study included nearly 4,000 people in 12 states who struggle to afford healthy food. They received vouchers, averaging $63 a month, for up to 10 months, which could be redeemed for produce at retail stores or farmers markets, depending on the location.
Many people with diabetes struggle not only with food insecurity but also with nutrition insecurity. Improving nutrition security is about providing the right food to prevent or decrease the prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
By providing adults with hypertension with access to healthy fruits and vegetables using a prescription program, this study demonstrated a systolic blood pressure decrease of 8 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure decrease of about 5 mm Hg. In addition, among people with diabetes, A1C levels also declined significantly, by about 0.6 percent.
“Anything that lowers hemoglobin A1C and improves blood pressure control is beneficial,” says Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition at Tufts University, where the research was conducted. The challenge is to maintain these reductions.
The research clearly indicates that food prescription programs are an effective strategy to improve health outcomes, but long-term funding for these programs is difficult to secure.
More research is needed to establish which individuals and communities will most benefit from which food assistance programs. Options include medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, and community-based programs. The ultimate goal is to get to a place where these programs cover long-term benefits for people who need them most.
Resources and Related Articles
Wholesome Wave – partnering with community organizations to provide the right food to people at risk.
White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health
7 Ideas to Eat Healthier in the U.S.
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From Pancreas Partners to Periodic Tables – Jackson Heads to College
My youngest son, Jackson, became a part-time employee for my company when he turned eight. Along with this older brother, he helped package DiaBingo kits, stuff, and stamp envelopes, assemble PocketCards, and choose Pancreas Partner color combinations. As Jackson entered his teen years, his contributions moved from simple assembly to innovation. Given his longstanding knowledge of our company goals, values, and community, he suggested changes that helped grow our social media presence and increase our connection with readers.
Over this past summer, in addition to answering customer questions, shipping out orders, and assembling our Pancreas Partners (see pictures), Jackson took a leadership role in creating our new Podcast offerings. He researched the best podcast platforms for our FREE webinars. By the end of summer, due to his vision and hard work, we launched all of our FREE Podcasts on the most popular platforms (such as Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, and Google Podcast).
Even though Jackson had an intense high school schedule due to his load of AP classes, running the Empowerment Club, playing in the jazz and marching bands, and taking the lead as Drum Major, he always showed up to work with a great attitude. During stressful periods at work, he managed to help me laugh, take a deep breath, and keep moving forward. He has a magical way of listening carefully, giving a hug, then gifting me with a goofy gesture that broke the tension and helped me regain a sense of calm.
Jackson fell in love with chemistry as a sophomore in high school. He was awarded a summer chemistry lab internship during his junior summer at a local Cal State University. As a full-time researcher for a few months, he said, “I feel like I have always been in the chemistry lab.” A few weeks ago, he kicked off his studies at UC Berkeley as a chemistry major and he is loving every minute of it.
I sure miss working alongside Jackson and goofing around with him. Yet, at the same time, I celebrate his new and exciting life while cheering him on from the sidelines. I am grateful for the time we spent together creating and exploring life and work from different angles and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
As part of his legacy, Jackson recommended a close high school friend, named Ginger Nichols, to take over his job responsibilities. Ginger is a real go-getter and an absolute gem of a human. In addition to attending college full-time, she has a radio show, works another job, is involved in local theater, and has a terrific attitude. When I ask her how she is doing, she always responds, ‘I am doing great” and she means it!
Thank you Jackson for all your contributions to Diabetes Education Services over the years! We miss you and are so thankful that Ginger will be holding up your legacy of hard work and a great attitude combined with a boatload of kindness.
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Question of the Week | Preventing Hypo During Exercise
JR has type 1 and tells you they limit their carbohydrate intake to 30 gms a day to prevent hyperglycemia. Their A1C is 6.7% and time in range is over 70%. They tell you their main goal is to figure out how to prevent hypoglycemia during exercise.
What would be the best response using a person-centered approach?
- Explore how they are currently managing blood sugars around exercise.
- Reinforce that glucose needs to be above 100 mg/dL according to ADA Standards to prevent exercise induced hypoglycemia.
- Gently suggest referral to a RD to evaluate actual daily carbohydrate needs.
- Redirect the conversation to evaluate if JR might be experiencing disordered eating.
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