Food is Medicine for Gestational Diabetes

This trial explores whether a "Food is Medicine" approach can prevent gestational diabetes (a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy) in at-risk women. It compares the effects of providing fresh produce prescriptions (Produce Rx) alongside standard medical care to standard care alone. Pregnant women receiving care at Harris Health clinics, on Medicaid, and with certain risk factors like a high BMI and family history of diabetes might be suitable participants. The study aims to determine if increased fruit and vegetable consumption can improve pregnancy health. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance pregnancy health for many women.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are already prescribed insulin or metformin, you would not be eligible to participate.

Research has shown that Produce Rx programs are safe and well-tolerated. In studies where pregnant women received produce prescriptions, no major safety concerns emerged. These programs aim to improve diet by providing fresh fruits and vegetables. This method is generally considered safe because it uses food to manage health, rather than medication or invasive treatments.

Researchers are excited about the Produce Rx treatment for gestational diabetes because it introduces a fresh approach by focusing on nutrition as medicine. Unlike standard treatments that typically involve dietary advice combined with insulin or oral medications like metformin, Produce Rx provides participants with fresh fruits and vegetables, aiming to control blood sugar levels naturally through a diet rich in whole foods. This treatment leverages the natural benefits of produce to potentially improve health outcomes without the side effects associated with traditional medications. By emphasizing food as a foundational element of care, this approach not only supports blood sugar management but may also enhance overall maternal and fetal health.

Research has shown that providing pregnant women with vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables can improve their health. These "produce prescriptions" may help control weight gain during pregnancy and lower the risk of issues like gestational diabetes, which affects blood sugar levels. In this trial, participants in the "Food is Medicine (FIM) Intervention plus Standard of Care" arm will receive these vouchers as part of the intervention. Pregnant women who struggle to afford enough food often experience higher rates of this condition, but these vouchers can help them eat better. The "Food is Medicine" approach uses diet to enhance health for both mothers and babies. This method could lead to healthier pregnancies and reduce the chances of gestational diabetes for those at risk.¹²³⁴⁵