The CARING Study: Creating and Restoring Health Through Nutrition Guidance

Eligibility Criteria

• 1. Blue Cross Blue Shield subscriber continuously enrolled for the prior 12 months
• 2. Male or female
• 3. Age at least 18 years
• 4. Have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
• 5. Ability and willingness to participate in all components of the study, including:
• 1. Following a plant-based diet for the initial 16 weeks of the study;
• 2. Attending weekly online classes for the initial 16 weeks of the study; and
• 3. Keeping physical activity level consistent throughout the initial 16 weeks of the study.
• 1. Diabetes mellitus type 1 or history of any endocrine condition that would affect body weight, such as a pituitary abnormality or Cushing's syndrome
• 2. Smoking during the past six months
• 3. Alcohol consumption of more than 2 drinks per day or the equivalent, episodic increased drinking (e.g., more than 2 drinks per day on weekends), or a history of alcohol abuse or dependency followed by any current use
• 4. Current or unresolved past drug abuse
• 5. Recently gave birth, pregnant, or plans to become pregnant before or during the study period
• 6. Unstable medical or psychiatric status
• 7. Cancer diagnosis
• 8. Chronic kidney disease, stage 4 or 5
• 9. Evidence of an eating disorder
• 10. Lack of English fluency
• 11. Bariatric surgery in the last 6 months
• 12. Dementia
• 13. Institutional custodial care
• 14. End of life
• 15. Palliative Care
• 16. Actively engaged in specific BCBSM diabetes programs and case management programs