The CARING Study: Creating and Restoring Health Through Nutrition Guidance

Inclusion criteria

• Blue Cross Blue Shield subscriber continuously enrolled for the prior 12 months
• Male or female
• Age at least 18 years
• Have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
• Ability and willingness to participate in all components of the study, including:
• Following a plant-based diet for the initial 16 weeks of the study;
• Attending weekly online classes for the initial 16 weeks of the study; and
• Keeping physical activity level consistent throughout the initial 16 weeks of the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Diabetes mellitus type 1 or history of any endocrine condition that would affect body weight, such as a pituitary abnormality or Cushing's syndrome
• Smoking during the past six months
• 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
• Current or unresolved past drug abuse
• Recently gave birth, pregnant, or plans to become pregnant before or during the study period
• Unstable medical or psychiatric status
• Cancer diagnosis
• Chronic kidney disease, stage 4 or 5
• Evidence of an eating disorder
• Lack of English fluency
• Bariatric surgery in the last 6 months
• Dementia
• Institutional custodial care
• End of life
• Palliative Care
• Actively engaged in specific BCBSM diabetes programs and case management programs