Medically reviewed by Elyse Kontra, MS, RD
About 12% of Marylanders are living with diabetes, according to the state Department of Health. For many of them, knowing how to use healthy food to help manage the disease is difficult.
On top of that, some people with diabetes are food insecure, which means they don’t have reliable access to nutritious food. A program at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UM BWMC) provides these patients with diabetes meal kits and support from a diabetes educator. As a result, patients get the food and education they need to move forward on firmer footing.
Diabetes Meal Kits Take Off
At UM BWMC, hospital employees wanted to ensure patients in need had meals that checked all the boxes for healthy eating with diabetes. They pitched their idea for diabetes meal kits to SPARQ Tank, a hospital competition modeled after the popular TV show “Shark Tank.” The judges were impressed. They awarded the employees $10,000 for the diabetes meal kits program (also known as the discharge meal kits program).
Here’s how it works:
- When an adult patient is admitted to the hospital, employees screen them for diabetes and food insecurity.
- If the patient meets the criteria, they receive a visit from a registered dietitian on the day they’re set to go home. The dietitian talks with them about the diabetes meal kits program. Participants need to have electricity and a working freezer and microwave at home to store and prepare the meals.
- If the patient has the required resources at home, they can opt into the program.
If the patient wants to participate, the team coordinates closely with the hospital caregivers to find out when they’ll be discharged, and then they deliver the meal kit to their room about 30 minutes before they go home.
Diabetes Meal Kits Help Patients Go Home with Good Food
The meal kits contain 14 heart-healthy, diabetes-friendly meals, such as turkey tetrazzini. They are served with a side of diabetes education.
“Each kit includes a week’s worth of medically tailored lunch and dinner meals, as well as coupons and samples of diabetes-friendly oral nutrition supplements,” said Elyse Kontra, MS, RD, nutrition systems director and clinical nutrition manager at UM BWMC. “Patients also receive information on available community resources to help with future meal needs and educational materials about diet and blood sugar management.”
The patient meets with a diabetes educator before they leave the hospital. The diabetes educator also follows up with them by phone once they go home to provide additional support.
Eating Healthy with Diabetes: The Basics
Whether you would benefit from the meal kits or just need a refresher on the importance of good nutrition, here’s some advice on eating well with diabetes.
Healthy eating is essential for managing both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Not only can a healthy diet help you control your blood sugar levels, but it can also contribute to weight loss. That, in turn, makes managing diabetes easier.
A key part of eating healthy is taking a carb-conscious approach. This means choosing complex carbohydrates, which are packed with nutrients like fiber and raises blood sugar more slowly. Examples of these carb-smart foods include beans/legumes, fruits, starchy vegetables (i.e., sweet potatoes) and whole grains.
If you track your carbs, use the total carbohydrates listed on the Nutrition Facts label. However, it is important to pay attention to the serving size listed on the package because one serving may not be the entire package. Learn more about reading nutrition labels.
Beyond Complex Carbohydrates
Along with complex carbohydrates, like fruits and vegetables, ensure your diet includes:
- Healthy fats, found in almonds, avocados, olive oil and salmon, to support heart health and blood sugar management
- Lean proteins, such as chicken, eggs and fish, for muscle health
Minimize processed foods, which may be high in added sugars that can make diabetes harder to control. They may also contain trans fats that can lead to unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Fueling Your Health
Eating healthy with diabetes can be confusing, but knowledge and support can empower you to make smart choices. That’s the goal of the UM BWMC diabetes meal kits program. The meal kits serve as a gateway to healthy eating for hospitalized patients facing food insecurity. Each nutritious meal adheres to the principles of a diabetes-friendly diet, which includes lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats.
Patients don’t just get good food with their kits. They also receive educational materials and support from a diabetes educator, helping lay the foundation for a healthier future.
Watch a Video
Learn more about the diabetes discharge meal kit program at UM BWMC.