Voucher for Healthy Foods and Diabetes Control: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Top Things to Know

Providing financial support for healthy foods improved self-reported intake but did not lower HbA1c or improve objective nutrient biomarkers.

Short-term vouchers may be too limited in value or duration to influence disease markers.

Improvements in self-reported health and food security suggest that FIM interventions can enhance quality of life even without immediate biomarker changes.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

This randomized clinical trial evaluated whether monthly grocery vouchers for healthy foods improve diabetes control among adults experiencing food insecurity. Conducted across seven primary care sites in Toronto, 390 participants were randomized to receive either a $65 monthly voucher (or $85 for larger households) for six months or usual care. hange in HbA1c showed no significant difference between groups (adjusted mean difference: −0.10%, 95% CI −0.33 to 0.12). However, vouchers significantly increased self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption and improved perceived food security and general health, though objective biomarkers (β-carotene, ascorbic acid) and financial security did not change. Exploratory analyses suggested potential benefits for individuals with prediabetes or not on diabetes medications, but these findings require confirmation. Overall, the intervention improved dietary behaviors and perceived well-being but was insufficient to impact glycemic control or objective nutritional measures.