Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Community-integrated Nutrition Education to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in Peel

This study in Peel, Ontario, is testing a new program to help people reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes. This condition is common in Peel and can lead to serious health problems. The program involves learning about a healthy eating plan called the 'Portfolio Diet' and taking part in community gardening sessions for 12 months. Researchers want to see if this combination helps lower diabetes risk factors in adults who are overweight, have a large waist, and at least one other diabetes risk factor, but no other long-term health conditions. The study also aims to find the best ways to deliver and roll out this program to more people in the community.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Toronto

Enrolment target

150

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2027

Type 2 Diabetes

What is this study about?

This study is happening in Peel, a region in Ontario, Canada, where many people are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a serious and long-lasting health problem that can lead to other issues like heart disease, kidney problems, and vision loss. Things like being overweight, eating unhealthy foods, and not being active enough can increase your chances of getting type 2 diabetes. The design of our towns and cities, and even our backgrounds, can also play a role.

Researchers are testing a new program to help people in Peel lower their risk of type 2 diabetes. This program focuses on a special way of eating called the 'Portfolio Diet,' which is known to help reduce risk factors for diabetes and heart disease, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure. This diet is recommended by leading health organisations in Canada. The program also includes community gardening sessions, which can encourage people to be more active and learn about fresh food.

By running this program, the researchers hope to understand if it's effective in reducing diabetes risk factors. They also want to find the best ways to deliver this health education and activity program to people in the community, and how to make it available to a larger number of people who could benefit from it. They'll be talking to participants before and after the program to learn about their experiences and make sure the program works well for everyone.

Key takeaways

The study tests a program to prevent type 2 diabetes.
It combines healthy eating (Portfolio Diet) with community gardening.
It's for adults 40+ in Peel, Ontario, with diabetes risk factors.
The program lasts for 12 months.
It aims to find effective ways to help people reduce diabetes risk.
You'll share your experiences to improve the program.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be 40 years old or older and live in the Peel region of the Greater Toronto Area. You should not have any serious long-term health conditions that would make it difficult for you to take part.

The study is for people who are overweight, have a large waist measurement, and at least one other risk factor for type 2 diabetes. This could include having a family history of diabetes, being from certain ethnic backgrounds that have a higher risk, having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or previously being told you have 'pre-diabetes'. You'll also need to score 21 or higher on a specific diabetes risk check called the CANrisk tool.

People who are already part of another medical study will not be able to join this one. You'll also need to have access to a smartphone or the internet to participate. If you don't have these at home, the study team can help you find places like public libraries or community centres where you can get online.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 40 years old or older?
Do you live in the Peel region of Ontario?
Are you generally healthy, without major long-term conditions?
Are you overweight and have a large waist, plus one other diabetes risk factor (e.g., family history or high blood pressure)?
Can you access the internet or a smartphone?
Are you not currently in another medical study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you will take part in a 12-month program. This program involves learning about healthy eating, based on something called the 'Portfolio Diet,' and also taking part in community gardening sessions. During the study, you'll be asked to participate in group discussions or interviews both before the program starts and after it finishes. These discussions help the researchers understand what works well and what could be improved. There are no specific medications involved in this study. The total duration of your active participation, including these discussions and the program itself, will be 12 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study could offer some benefits, such as learning about a healthy way to eat and getting more active through community gardening, both of which may help lower your risk factors for type 2 diabetes and improve your overall health. There are no significant risks expected beyond those associated with making healthy lifestyle changes. As with any study, you are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Community garden spaces across peel
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada
University of Toronto Mississauga
Verified postcode
Mississauga, Canada

Common questions

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition where your body doesn't use insulin properly, or doesn't make enough, leading to high blood sugar levels. Good lifestyle choices can often help manage or prevent it.

What is the 'Portfolio Diet'?

The 'Portfolio Diet' is a healthy eating plan supported by science. It focuses on foods known to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, which are also good for reducing diabetes risk.

Do I need to be a gardener to join?

No, you don't need to be an experienced gardener. The community gardening sessions are part of the program to encourage activity and learning about fresh food, and support will be provided.

How long will the study last for me?

If you join, your participation, including the learning program and gardening, will last for 12 months.

What if I don't have internet access at home?

If you don't have internet or a smartphone, the study team can help you find places like local libraries or community centres where you can access what you need to participate.

How to find out more

Vasanti Malik, MSc, ScD

vasanti.malik@utoronto.ca 4169785556 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.