New research presented at the American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions found that participants in Abbott’s Healthy Food Rx program achieved significantly better health outcomes when access to nutritious food was combined with coaching from community health workers. The study followed 284 adults living with type 2 diabetes who received biweekly healthy food deliveries along with culturally tailored health coaching over a six-month period. The program was conducted in partnership with the Public Health Institute Center for Wellness and Nutrition, APSARA and the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin, with support from Abbott Fund.
Participants showed improvements across multiple health and lifestyle measures. Diet quality increased substantially, with fruit and vegetable consumption nearly doubling and water intake rising significantly. Physical activity levels also improved, with participants reporting more frequent exercise sessions. In addition, diabetes self-management outcomes strengthened considerably, including better glucose monitoring, medication adherence and attendance at clinical appointments. Researchers also observed notable gains in self-reported physical and mental health, alongside a meaningful reduction in food insecurity among participants.
The findings suggest that providing healthy food alone may not be enough to maximize health outcomes. Community health workers played a key role by offering ongoing support, education and motivation in participants’ preferred languages, helping individuals build healthier habits and manage their condition more effectively. The study adds to growing evidence supporting “Food Is Medicine” programs and highlights the value of combining nutritional support with personalized, community-based coaching to improve chronic disease management and overall well-being.
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