UTSW NORC Pilot Spinal Cord Injury Dietary Program

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the effects of a 9-week dietician-guided program modified from the National Diabetic Prevention Program (modified DPP-diet) in people with spinal cord injury on body composition and insulin sensitivity. The main question it aims to answer is: Does 9 week modified DPP-diet reduce body fat percentage and insulin resistance? Participants will: Have 9 weeks of Telehealth visit with dietician certified in providing DPP. Visit the laboratory before, immediately and 9 weeks after completion of the modified DPP-diet. Share with the researcher on the perceived benefit and obstacles in implementing the modified DPP-diet as part of their daily activities.

Inclusion Criteria: * age 18-65 years old * have had SCI for more than one year * not independently ambulatory * primarily uses a wheelchair for mobility * community-dwelling * without comorbidities listed in the exclusion criteria Exclusion Criteria: * uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus * pregnancy * active systemic disease, e.g., heart disease, real failure/insufficiency, multiple myeloma, lupus with nephropathy, sickle cell disease, symptomatic myasthenia gravis, poorly controlled hypo- or hyperthyroidism.