Medical Nutrition Therapy and Diabetes Self-Management Education for People With Disabilities

Medical Nutrition Therapy and Diabetes Self-Management Education for People With Disabilities

The purpose of this project is to develop, and pilot test an accessible and inclusive medical nutrition therapy and diabetes self-management education program for people with Type 2 Diabetes and physical disabilities.

This study will use a three-arm randomized control trial design. Eligible and consented participants will be assigned to one of three groups: (1) intervention with high-tech support, (2) intervention with low-tech support, and (3) attention-control group. The active intervention period will include six months of weekly health coaching calls and technology access. The low-tech support group will receive six months of weekly coaching calls and weekly email containing related materials in PDF format but no video and technology content.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of T2DM
2. 18 to 65 years of age
3. Living with a permanent physical disability such as SCI, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, stroke
4. Ability to converse in and read English
5. Availability of a smartphone or computer that can run apps
6. Have internet connection capabilities

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current enrollment in any diabetes related intervention
2. Present or soon-planned pregnancy
3. Major heart attack or heart surgery in the past 12 months
4. Have undergone a dialysis, kidney transplant or a kidney surgery in the past 12 months
5. Severe cognitive impairment
6. Severe untreated depression in the past 6 months