Nutrition guidance for managing type 2 diabetes

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The CARING study evaluates the health benefits of nutrition education specifically for Blue Cross Blue Shield subscribers with type 2 diabetes. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which will attend weekly online nutrition classes and follow a low-fat, vegan diet for 16 weeks, or a control group. Key health metrics such as body weight, plasma lipids, and HbA1C levels will be measured at the start and after 16 weeks, with ongoing monitoring of medical utilization for two years. The study aims to assess both health outcomes and potential cost savings for the insurance provider.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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

Where it's running

• Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
  Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Neal Barnard, MD — Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
• Study coordinator: Macy Sutton, MS
• Email: msutton@pcrm.org
• Phone: 202-527-7363

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Technology-assisted home strength training for adults 55–80 with type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment

  This 12-week program will test whether a telehealth-supported home strength-training routine helps adults 55–80 with type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment stick with exercise and improve strength, thinking, and blood sugar.

  Recruiting The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston · Galveston, Texas · NCT07416799

• Digital Care for holistic health in older adults with diabetes and multiple conditions

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• Evaluating Dapagliflozin and Pioglitazone for Type 2 Diabetes Management

  This study is testing if adding the medications Dapagliflozin and Pioglitazone to Metformin and a DPP-4 inhibitor can help people with Type 2 Diabetes better control their blood sugar levels.

  Recruiting Phase 4 Dong Wha Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. · Seoul · NCT06875193

• Closed-loop insulin delivery for adults with type 2 diabetes

  This study is testing a new closed-loop insulin delivery system to see if it helps adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar better than their usual insulin therapy.

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• Assessing the impact of geriatric evaluations on diabetes treatment for older adults

  This study tests if using special evaluations for older adults can help doctors create better diabetes treatment plans for elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.

  Recruiting Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre · Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul · NCT06469437

• Improving heart health for low-income individuals with diabetes and obesity

  This study is testing whether a 6-month program that includes training, exercise help, and community support can improve heart health for low-income people with diabetes and obesity compared to regular education and exercise access.

  Recruiting Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations · NCT06364644

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.