Feasibility and Acceptability of Home-Delivered Medically Tailored Meals for Treatment of Diabetes in Pregnancy

Background: Diabetes complicates <= 7% of pregnancies in the United States. Although medical nutrition therapy is the mainstay of diabetes treatment, many barriers exist to the successful implementation of dietary modifications. Home-delivered medically tailored meals (MTMs) are promising to overcome such barriers. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of home-delivered MTM in pregnant patients with diabetes. Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study of home-delivered MTM for pregnant patients with diabetes using a mixed-methods approach. Participants <35 wk of gestation at the time of enrollment received weekly home delivery of diabetes-specific meals. Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted to gain insight into participants' experience. Diabetes self-efficacy was assessed pre- and postintervention using the Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale and 2 -Item Diabetes Distress Screening Scale. The difference in mean scores was compared using t -tests with P value of <0.05 considered significant. Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated through participants' attitude toward MTM in qualitative interviews and indirectly evaluated through diabetes self-efficacy surveys. Results: Twenty pregnant people with diabetes who received home-delivered MTM during pregnancy were interviewed postpartum. Participants found this program convenient for various reasons, including reduced time for grocery shopping and preparing meals. Participants were satisfied with meals, citing a positive impact on diabetes management, accessibility of healthy foods, reduced stress with meal planning, and greater perceived control of blood glucose. Most participants shared meals with their families or received specific meals for their dependents, which was positively received. Reduced financial and mental stress was also widely reported. Diabetes self-efficacy was significantly improved postintervention with MTM. Conclusion: Home-delivered MTM is feasible and acceptable in pregnant patients with diabetes and may improve diabetes self-efficacy. Individual experiences offered insight into various barriers overcome by using this service. Home-delivered MTM may help ensure an accessible, healthy diet for pregnant patients with diabetes.