Cooking Classes: A Diabetes Self-Management Support Intervention Enhancing Clinical Values

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between Healthy Teaching Kitchen (HTK) attendance among veterans who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and clinical outcomes as measured by A1C and blood pressure. Methods This retrospective chart review collected data from veterans with T2DM who participated in the Diabetes Self-Management Support (DSMS) HTK program at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center (LSCVAMC) between February 2013 and May 2016. Data collected included demographic information, frequency of DSMS HTK attendance, 3 A1C values, and 3 blood pressure values. Each subject was assigned to 1 of 4 quartiles based on frequency of DSMS HTK attendance. Results A1C values of all groups improved over time, regardless of DSMS HTK attendance quartile. However, as total DSMS HTK class attendance increased, there was a significant decrease in the A1C difference score. Conclusions Participation in a DSMS program that focuses on healthy, economical cooking skills may lead to a significant improvement in A1C regardless of frequency of attendance. However, individuals with more frequent attendance may experience additional improvement in glycemic control.