Type 2 Diabetes Prevention: Community-Integrated Nutrition Education Intervention in Peel

This study focuses on preventing type 2 diabetes in the Peel region, which has a high incidence of this condition. People with type 2 diabetes face increased risks of heart disease, kidney issues, and other serious health problems. Key contributors to this risk include excess body weight, poor diet, and lack of physical activity, often influenced by community and environmental factors. The study aims to deliver a community-based nutrition education program using the Portfolio Diet, known for its benefits in reducing diabetes and heart disease risks. The goal is to help residents of Peel access and understand nutrition information to prevent type 2 diabetes effectively. Participants in this study will engage in a program that includes nutrition education sessions and community gardening activities. These activities are designed to teach healthy eating habits and improve diet quality. The study will assess changes in participants' body weight, waist size, blood pressure, and overall diet quality over a year. It will also look at diabetes-related markers like blood sugar and cholesterol levels. To ensure the program is effective and can be expanded in the future, researchers will gather feedback from participants through interviews and focus groups both before and after the program.