JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is steadily increasing and has exceeded 20% in some rural Kentucky counties. In Kentucky, chronic diet-sensitive conditions and unhealthy behaviors are among the highest in the nation with approximately 36.5% of adults living with obesity, 13.3% diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while only 15.3% meet physical activity recommendations, and 4.7% meet fruit and vegetable consumption recommendations.

Objective:

The purpose of the study is to determine if leveraging family units as sources of social support promotes nutritional and physical activity changes among who are overweight or have obesity and diagnosed with T2DM.

Methods:

This study consists of three phases (baseline, intervention, post-intervention). An overview of the study will be provided to interested participants after which their consent will be sought. At baseline, demographic data, social support, physical activity, diabetes knowledge, diabetes self-management, dietary recall, obstructive sleep apnea and sleep health as well as social network data will be collected using validated questionnaires. Anthropometric (weight, height, lean mass and body fat) and T2DM related clinical measures (blood pressure, HbA1c, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides) will also be obtained. During the intervention phase, participants will complete 6 months of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) alongside one member of their social network (e.g., household member). In addition, study participants will have the option to attend Dining with Diabetes sessions that are offered at the county-level through Cooperative Extension agents. Follow-up data collection includes clinical measures, a dietary recall, and the assessment of participants’ stage of behavior change at 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month post-intervention.

Results:

This study was funded in November 2022 by the American Diabetes Association. Data collection started 9/1/23 and is projected to end 6/30/25. As of November 2024, we have enrolled 47 participants enrolled.

Conclusions:

T2DM is a growing problem, particularly among vulnerable populations in rural Kentucky. This study plans to leverage family units as sources of social support with MNT and nutrition education through the Dining with Diabetes program. If effective, this approach will inform future family-based interventions in rural communities. Clinical Trial: Registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06080425) on 10/3/2023.