Project Grant R01DK143249

Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) awarded a $847,068 Project Grant to the University of Missouri at Kansas City on March 10, 2026, under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847). The project, scheduled for completion by February 28, 2031, addresses food access and physical activity interventions to improve diabetes prevention outcomes among underserved African Americans. The research will deliver a cluster randomized controlled trial of an enhanced Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) model that integrates culturally tailored healthy food delivery, on-site physical activity programming, and linkages to community food and activity resources for 408 pre-diabetic African American participants recruited from churches in high-risk communities.

The enhanced DPP model builds upon prior pilot research to overcome social determinants that limit clinically meaningful weight loss in underserved populations. By combining structured dietary modifications, increased physical activity, and modest weight loss goals (5-7%) with culturally relevant adaptations—including language tailoring, culturally appropriate foods, religiosity, and community norms—the project aims to close the documented effectiveness gap where African American DPP participants experience only half the weight loss of white participants. Study participants will be randomized to either a standard, culturally tailored DPP or the enhanced DPP model, with extended support linkages designed to maintain intervention benefits beyond the formal study period.