Healthier foods play a role in controlling diabetes among low-income individuals

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            Food insecurity which is defined as “not having adequate quantity and quality of food at all times for all household members to have an active, healthy life” affects every one in six individuals across the United States (Seligman et al., 2015, p. 1956). The issue of food insecurity is known for its detrimental effects to healthy especially in regards to physical and mental development and health (Schaeffer, 2015). In addition, among food insecure individual with diabetes inadequate control over diabetes is observed. This is a concern due to the increasing widespread of this chronic disease.
          
            A study by Seligman et al., (2015) discusses how food pantries are ideal locations for diabetes education and diabetes management support due to their extensive reach to food insecure individuals with diabetes and their proficiency in food distribution. This study conducted a 2 year pilot program in California, Texas and Ohio and provided 687 food pantry regulars with diabetes with diabetes appropriate food, glucose monitoring, referral to primary care physicians, and diabetes self-management support. Results of this study included improvements in hemoglobin A1c values, intake of fruits and vegetables, self-efficiency, and adherence to diabetes medication among participants. The results from this study therefore indicate that food pantries may be an ideal setting for diabetes support, and could be used for diabetes interventions to address this risk factor. 

H. K. Seligman, C. Lyles, M. B. Marshall, K. Prendergast, M. C. Smith, A. Headings, G. Bradshaw, S. Rosenmoss, E. Waxman. A Pilot Food Bank Intervention Featuring Diabetes-Appropriate Food Improved Glycemic Control Among Clients In Three States. Health Affairs, 34 (11), 1956-1963. DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2015.0641

-KP

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