Mobile Application to Create Healthy Food Preparation Habits for Patients With Diabetes and Prediabetes

Mobile Application to Create Healthy Food Preparation Habits for Patients With Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Pilot Study

Boston Medical Center (BMC) serves many underserved, low-income patients and has developed an innovative strategy to combat food insecurity including a preventative food pantry, a teaching kitchen, and a rooftop farm that provides fresh produce directly to the patients. The presence of this well-established, three-pronged approach places BMC in an ideal position to develop a nutritional education intervention that supports experiential learning in this high-risk population.

For this first exploratory study, 75 enrolled participants will be given a free mobile application with recipes designed to build habits. Participants will cook at least three meals weekly for two months using the app. Self-reported survey data and activity on the app will be collected and used to assess the feasibility of teaching cooking skills through a mobile application.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Access to an oven OR microwave, stovetop OR hot plate, and food storage.
• Access to the internet on a smartphone
• Owns a smartphone with iOS Apple Store or Google Play
• Reading proficiency in English
• Has a diagnosis of diabetes or prediabetes(Hb A1C> 5.6)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to provide informed consent
• Taking any medications or has a condition that limits the ability to increase intake of fruits and vegetables (including warfarin and end-stage renal disease)
• Attended a Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) at BMC within the past year or plans to attend during the study.