Improving HgbA1c and Overall Insulin Resistance for Patients with Type II Diabetes: Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet

The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), quality improvement project was to assist participants in the management of their type 2 diabetes through the use an evidencebased Whole-Food, Plant-Based (WFPB) diet approach. The project described the effectiveness of individual WFPB instruction and counseling. Following recruitment, the participant attended weekly dietary counseling sessions focused on incorporating a WFPB diet over a 6-week period. The participant completed the 16-item food intake questionnaire (16-FIQ) pre- and post-dietary counseling along with HgbA1c measurements during the project period. Post dietary counseling resulted in an increase in the participant’s HgbA1c from 8.1% to 8.9%, but the participants showed significant health behavior change as measured in the pre- and post-intervention 16 FIQ. The participant chose less animal-based products and substituted plant-based food choices post dietary counseling. Even though the participant’s HgbA1c showed no improvement, the participant demonstrated increase awareness regarding daily dietary decisions resulting in an increase in plant-based food consumption. Knowledge gained will be used to improve treatment recommendations for persons receiving care for type 2 diabetes at a volunteer primary care clinic in Southeast Florida.