IU Health Focuses on Food: Diabetes Pilot Program Tackles Food Insecurity
Indianapolis, IN
– IU Health has launched a new pilot program aimed at addressing the growing issue of food insecurity among individuals with diabetes. The program, named “Focus+ on Food,” targets food-insecure patients who are at risk of developing or worsening diabetes complications. “Food insecurity is a significant barrier to managing diabetes effectively,” said Dr. Peter Clark, medical director of the IU Health Diabetes Management Center. “By providing access to nutritious food, we can empower patients to make healthier choices and improve their overall well-being.” The program connects eligible patients with a registered dietitian, who provides nutrition counseling and education. Patients also receive vouchers for weekly groceries from a local food bank. The vouchers are tailored to meet the dietary needs of individuals with diabetes, ensuring they have access to fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. “This program is making a real difference in the lives of our patients,” said Jessica White, a social worker at the IU Health Diabetes Management Center. “We’ve seen improvements in blood sugar control, weight loss, and overall health.” The pilot program is initially being offered at two IU Health locations in Indianapolis: the Diabetes Management Center and the Riley Children’s Health Diabetes Clinic. If successful, it will be expanded to other IU Health locations in the future. “IU Health is committed to addressing the social determinants of health that impact our patients,” said Dr. Paul Halverson, IU Health’s chief quality and patient safety officer. “This program is part of our broader effort to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need to live healthier lives.” For more information on the Focus+ on Food program, please visit the IU Health website.IU Health launched a diabetes pilot program to address food insecurity, a significant contributor to diabetes disparities. The program, “Focus+ on Food,” provides nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, and access to healthy food options for participants. Food insecurity is a prevalent issue that affects millions of Americans, particularly those with diabetes. Limited access to nutritious food can hinder diabetes management, leading to poor health outcomes. The “Focus+ on Food” program aims to empower participants with the knowledge and resources to make healthy food choices. It includes weekly cooking classes, nutrition counseling, and access to a food pantry stocked with fresh produce, lean proteins, and whole grains. “We recognize that food insecurity is a barrier to diabetes management,” said Dr. Michael Ragan, IU Health’s chief medical officer for population health. “This program is designed to break down those barriers and provide our patients with the support they need to live healthier lives.” Participants are referred to the program through IU Health’s diabetes care team. The program is currently being piloted at select IU Health locations in Indianapolis. “I’m grateful for this program,” said one participant. “It’s given me the tools and confidence to manage my diabetes and improve my overall health.” The “Focus+ on Food” program is part of IU Health’s ongoing efforts to address social determinants of health, which are factors that can impact health outcomes. By addressing food insecurity, the program aims to improve diabetes outcomes and promote health equity.
