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Measure
Definition / Target
Source / Framework
Expected Impact
HbA1c Control
HEDIS: Comprehensive Diabetes Care (CDC)
Supports sustained glucose management, contributing to controlled HbA1c percentages
HbA1c Testing
% patients with at least one HbA1c test annually
HEDIS CDC
Encourages engagement in care and adherence to testing schedules; supports regular provider follow-up
HbA1c Poor Control
% patients with HbA1c > 9.0%
HEDIS CDC
Improves glycemic control through diet, reducing high HbA1c rates
Blood Pressure Control
% patients with BP < 140/90 mmHg
HEDIS CDC
Dietary intervention directly helps lower blood pressure, improving control rates
LDL-C Screening / Control
% patients with LDL < 100 mg/dL or screened
HEDIS CDC
Supports lipid management, especially when combined with medication adherence interventions
Medical Attention for Nephropathy
% patients with diabetes who received follow-up for kidney issues
HEDIS CDC
Improves follow-up, reduces CKD progression
Statin Therapy Use
% patients 40–75 on statin therapy
HEDIS CDC / USPSTF guidelines
Enhances adherence and complements lipid-lowering
Diabetes Foot Exam
% patients receiving preventive foot exam
NCQA / Clinical quality measures
Encourages regular provider visits where foot exams are performed
Medication Adherence
% patients adherent to diabetes medications (often PDC ≥ 80%)
HEDIS: Medication Adherence for Diabetes Medications
Better dietary management reduces side effects, improves patient engagement, supporting adherence
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More Resources on FIM Evaluation:
Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University
Provides a comprehensive suite of evidence-based resources designed to help healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers operationalize FIM. These resources are categorized into clinical training, implementation toolkits, and policy evidence.
HHS Food is Medicine Virtual Toolkit
Launched in 2024 by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), the resource is the federal government’s definitive operating system for nutrition-based and FIM specific interventions. The Toolkit provides the standardized architecture that connects federal agencies (HRSA, CMS, USDA) with local healthcare providers.
American Heart Association
The American Heart Association (AHA) developed and published a survey and recommended evaluation measures for Food is Medicine programs. This excellent resource was created in consultation with leading experts across the US.
For evaluation and monitoring, we recommend using this survey and the clinical outcome and healthcare utilization outcome specification as described in the AHA’s Health Care by Food Common Measures Outline.
Using the AHA common measure survey for FIM evaluation also facilitates direct comparison between your health system’s FIM outcomes to other FIM programs that are increasingly using these same measures.