• Main Website
  • Online University
  • Conferences
  • Online Store
  • Student Login
Med PocketCards Free Med PocketCards Sign up for eNews
Diabetes Education Services logo | Advancing your carreer in Diabetes Education
Get Certified Ready to get certified? Get our Free CDCES Coach App
  • Home
  • Exam Prep
    • Start Your Journey
    • 10 STEPS TO SUCCEED | Pass the Diabetes Certification Exams
    • CDCES or BC-ADM – Which Certification is Right for me?
    • CDCES Exam Prep
      • CDCES Prep Webinar & Resources
    • BC-ADM Exam Prep
      • BC-ADM Prep Webinar & Resources
    • Graduate Success Stories!
    • Accreditation Information
    • Renewing My CDCES – What is Required?
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Accreditation Information
    • About Beverly Thomassian
    • Invite Coach Beverly Thomassian to Speak!
    • Board of Directors
    • Press Page
      • Upgraded Living May Issue Highlights Women Business Leaders in Northern Cal
      • Tom Hanks – Words of Wisdom
      • LifeChanger Award Winner
      • A Daughter’s Perspective
  • Trainings
    • Live Conferences
      • Live Seminar in San Diego: DiabetesEd Training Conference
      • 5 Reasons to join our Live Seminar | DiabetesEd Training Conference
      • Testimonials – DiabetesEd Training Conference
    • Scholarship Info
      • Scholarship Winners for DiabetesEd “Live” Training in San Diego.
      • Past Scholarship Recipients
    • Graduate Success Stories!
    • ReVive 5 Diabetes Training Program
    • Virtual Conferences
      • Virtual DiabetesEd Training Course | 30+ CEs
      • Attendee Testimonials
    • Invite Coach Beverly Thomassian to Speak – Virtually!
  • Online Courses
    • Graduate Success Stories!
    • Online Course Catalog
    • Online Course Overview
      • Level 1 | Diabetes Fundamentals
      • Level 2 | Standards of Care Intensive
      • Level 3 | DiabetesEd Specialist Boot Camp
      • Level 4 | Advanced Level & Specialty Topic Courses
    • Toolkits
    • Online Bundles
      • CDCES Deluxe Prep Bundle
      • CDCES Basic Prep Bundle
      • CDCES Mini Bundle
      • BC-ADM Deluxe Prep Bundle
      • BC-ADM Basic Prep Bundle
      • The Complete Package
      • Ultimate Online Bundle
    • Virtual Conferences
      • Virtual DiabetesEd Training Course | 30+ CEs
    • ReVive 5 Diabetes Training Program
    • Frequently Asked Questions | Online University
    • Online University Orientation
    • Reviews | DiabetesEd Online University
    • Renewing My CDCES Requirements
  • Books + Study
    • ADCES Desk Reference 6th Edition
    • ADCES Review Guide 6th Edition
    • ADCES Desk Reference & Review Guide 6th Edition
    • Pocketcards | Insulin & Diabetes Meds
    • Pancreas Partner & DiaCell
      • Pancreas Partner | Diabetes Teaching Tool
      • DiaCell | Diabetes Teaching Tool
      • Pancreas Partner | A Story
    • DiabetesEd Instructional Videos
    • Online Store Overview
  • Free Resources
    • CDCES Coach App
    • Monthly Newsletter | Sign-Up & Archives
    • Pocketcards | Insulin & Diabetes Meds
    • Cheat Sheet for Diabetes
    • FREE Live Webinars Available!
      • CDCES Prep Webinar & Resources
      • BC-ADM Prep Webinar & Resources
      • Test Taking Practice Exam Sample Questions Toolkit
      • CDCES or BC-ADM – Which is Right for Me?
      • 3 Steps to DeFeet Amputation
      • Language that Respects the Individual and Imparts Hope
      • Getting to the Gut, Meet Your Microbiome
      • Health Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences
      • Mindfulness Webinar for Diabetes Specialists
      • Behavior Change Theory Made Easy
      • Strategies to Revitalize your Diabetes Program or Business
    • Testimonials – Live Webinars
    • FREE Resource Catalog
    • Blog Sign-Up
    • DiaBingo | Diabetes Bingo for FREE
    • Renewing My CDCES – What is Required?
    • Diabetes Article Library
      • Complete Article Library
      • Practice Guidelines
      • Exercise Resources
      • Plant Based Eating Resources
      • Meds Update Resource Page
  • BLOG BYTES
    • Blogs
    • Question of the Week!
    • Rationale of the Week
    • DiabetesEd Blog Bytes | Sign Up
    • Newsletter | Sign Up & Archives
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Exam Prep
    • Start Your Journey
    • 10 STEPS TO SUCCEED | Pass the Diabetes Certification Exams
    • CDCES or BC-ADM – Which Certification is Right for me?
    • CDCES Exam Prep
      • CDCES Prep Webinar & Resources
    • BC-ADM Exam Prep
      • BC-ADM Prep Webinar & Resources
    • Graduate Success Stories!
    • Accreditation Information
    • Renewing My CDCES – What is Required?
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Accreditation Information
    • About Beverly Thomassian
    • Invite Coach Beverly Thomassian to Speak!
    • Board of Directors
    • Press Page
      • Upgraded Living May Issue Highlights Women Business Leaders in Northern Cal
      • Tom Hanks – Words of Wisdom
      • LifeChanger Award Winner
      • A Daughter’s Perspective
  • Trainings
    • Live Conferences
      • Live Seminar in San Diego: DiabetesEd Training Conference
      • 5 Reasons to join our Live Seminar | DiabetesEd Training Conference
      • Testimonials – DiabetesEd Training Conference
    • Scholarship Info
      • Scholarship Winners for DiabetesEd “Live” Training in San Diego.
      • Past Scholarship Recipients
    • Graduate Success Stories!
    • ReVive 5 Diabetes Training Program
    • Virtual Conferences
      • Virtual DiabetesEd Training Course | 30+ CEs
      • Attendee Testimonials
    • Invite Coach Beverly Thomassian to Speak – Virtually!
  • Online Courses
    • Graduate Success Stories!
    • Online Course Catalog
    • Online Course Overview
      • Level 1 | Diabetes Fundamentals
      • Level 2 | Standards of Care Intensive
      • Level 3 | DiabetesEd Specialist Boot Camp
      • Level 4 | Advanced Level & Specialty Topic Courses
    • Toolkits
    • Online Bundles
      • CDCES Deluxe Prep Bundle
      • CDCES Basic Prep Bundle
      • CDCES Mini Bundle
      • BC-ADM Deluxe Prep Bundle
      • BC-ADM Basic Prep Bundle
      • The Complete Package
      • Ultimate Online Bundle
    • Virtual Conferences
      • Virtual DiabetesEd Training Course | 30+ CEs
    • ReVive 5 Diabetes Training Program
    • Frequently Asked Questions | Online University
    • Online University Orientation
    • Reviews | DiabetesEd Online University
    • Renewing My CDCES Requirements
  • Books + Study
    • ADCES Desk Reference 6th Edition
    • ADCES Review Guide 6th Edition
    • ADCES Desk Reference & Review Guide 6th Edition
    • Pocketcards | Insulin & Diabetes Meds
    • Pancreas Partner & DiaCell
      • Pancreas Partner | Diabetes Teaching Tool
      • DiaCell | Diabetes Teaching Tool
      • Pancreas Partner | A Story
    • DiabetesEd Instructional Videos
    • Online Store Overview
  • Free Resources
    • CDCES Coach App
    • Monthly Newsletter | Sign-Up & Archives
    • Pocketcards | Insulin & Diabetes Meds
    • Cheat Sheet for Diabetes
    • FREE Live Webinars Available!
      • CDCES Prep Webinar & Resources
      • BC-ADM Prep Webinar & Resources
      • Test Taking Practice Exam Sample Questions Toolkit
      • CDCES or BC-ADM – Which is Right for Me?
      • 3 Steps to DeFeet Amputation
      • Language that Respects the Individual and Imparts Hope
      • Getting to the Gut, Meet Your Microbiome
      • Health Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences
      • Mindfulness Webinar for Diabetes Specialists
      • Behavior Change Theory Made Easy
      • Strategies to Revitalize your Diabetes Program or Business
    • Testimonials – Live Webinars
    • FREE Resource Catalog
    • Blog Sign-Up
    • DiaBingo | Diabetes Bingo for FREE
    • Renewing My CDCES – What is Required?
    • Diabetes Article Library
      • Complete Article Library
      • Practice Guidelines
      • Exercise Resources
      • Plant Based Eating Resources
      • Meds Update Resource Page
  • BLOG BYTES
    • Blogs
    • Question of the Week!
    • Rationale of the Week
    • DiabetesEd Blog Bytes | Sign Up
    • Newsletter | Sign Up & Archives
  • Contact Us
Student Login

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.

Medically Prescribed Meals

Register for FREE Revitalization Webinar Today.

Want to learn more about how nutrition can support people living with diabetes?

Join us LIVE in San Diego for our DiabetesEd Training Conference with Ashley LaBrier MS, RD, CDCES as she reviews MNT & Meal Planning


Two Registration Options

Register Now for the Basic DiabetesEd Live Conference | $599
Register Now for the DiabetesEd Live Conference | $699
5 Reasons to Join the Live Seminar

Join Coach Beverly and Team for two and a half days of knowledge-sharing, fun, networking, games with prizes, and “aha” moments in beautiful San Diego. 

You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind learning opportunity. Get away from all those daily responsibilities and immerse yourself in a fun and intensive conference with plenty of networking opportunities.    

Attendees will leave this conference with new tools and a more complete understanding of the latest advances in diabetes care, from medications to technology to Medical Nutrition Therapy! 

Bring your colleagues and enjoy our friend discount.

Our team expertly translates the complex science of diabetes into understandable terms while keeping it real, practical, and fun. 

Team of expert faculty includes:

  • Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES – Educator of the Year, 2020
  • Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
  • Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Program Coordinator 
Register Now for the Basic DiabetesEd Live Conference | $599
Register Now for the DiabetesEd Live Conference | $699

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information


Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE!  Sign up below!

Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes

* indicates required

 
 



The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.

Diabetes Blog Bytes

Sign up now to receive the latest Blog Bytes in your inbox.

Top 5 Diabetes Resources

  • Which Study Tools are Right for Me?
  • Free Webinars with Coach Bev
  • New Specialty Topic CE Courses
  • CDCES Coach App
  • FREE Resource Catalog

Recent Blog Bytes

  • FREE Resources & Webinars with Coach Bev
  • Rationale of the Week | Why is annual kidney testing so important?
  • Question of the Week | NPH Insulin 3 Times a Day?

Footer Left Description

Diabetes Education Services offers education and training to diabetes educators in the areas of both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes for the novice to the established professional. Whether you are training to be a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), practicing at an advanced level and interested in board certification, or a health care professional and/or Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) who needs continuing education hours to renew your license or CDCES, we have diabetes education information, resources and training; learning and teaching tools; and diabetes online courses available for continuing education (CE). Read our disclaimer for full disclosure.

Footer Menu

  • Home
  • Getting Started
  • Events Calendar
  • Accreditation
  • Conferences
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact Us

Social Links

Let’s Keep Connected

Sign up for our

Follow Us on

  • © 2023 Diabetes Education Services, All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy
    530-893-8635
  • Footer Bottom Description
    Diabetes Educational Services (DES) has established this website to provide information and education to health care professionals. Nothing in this website constitutes medical advice nor is it a substitute for medical advice. References in this website to any and all specific products, services or processes do not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation by Diabetes Educational Services.