BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the in-person-based self-management approach (i.e., face-to-face or group approach) of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Older adults with T2D, including Asian Americans (AAs), have experienced worsening of diabetes control due to various reasons, including uncertainty of continuous access to essential diabetes medications, devices, education, limited health literacy, as well as constant anxiety and stress. Hybrid clinical trials that incorporate virtual elements into the in-person-based study could provide these vulnerable populations with accessible and timely interventions
OBJECTIVE
The primary aims of this pilot study are to determine (1) the effect of personalized behavioral nutrition (PBN) intervention on glycemic control, weight control, and metabolites profiles; and (2) the acceptability of PBN. to enhance glycemic control using personalized behavioral nutrition.
METHODS
Participants will be recruited with a web-based registry, advertisements in ethnic newspapers, and social network services popular among AAs. A total of 60 AAs, aged 65 years or older, who are descendants of Chinese, Korean, or South Asian, and have a diagnosis of T2D will be randomized into two groups: a PBN group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). A 4-week PBN intervention comprises three components: 1) digital self-monitoring; 2) personal nutrition change goals and recommendations; and 3) diabetes nutrition educations. All participants will complete digital self-monitoring on diet, physical activity, and blood glucose. In addition, all participants will access an interactive digital platform to track their self-monitoring data and communicate with the research team. The effectiveness and acceptability of implementing the intervention will be assessed.
RESULTS
Funding support and institutional review board approval for this study have been secured. Data collection started in August 2020 and is ongoing.
CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the first study to determine the effectiveness and acceptability of PBN utilizing a metabolomics approach and digital-assisted intervention with hybrid RCT among older AAs. The findings of this pilot study will inform the development of a full-scale PBN protocol and hybrid clinical trials that can be adapted for people with T2D in the ongoing pandemic.
BMI Cut Points to Identify At-Risk Asian Americans for Type 2 Diabetes Screening: Table 1