Aiming to take the confusion out of food choices for people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is the aim of new research at Griffith University.
“There is much confusion about what is the correct diet for people with type 2 diabetes, with many taking advice from a whole range of health professionals – as well as family and friends – much of which can be very conflicting,” says research leader Dr Lauren Ball from the Griffith Health Institute on the Gold Coast.
“Our aim is to really understand the nutrition care needs of newly diagnosed patients by asking them who they are talking to for advice, how they feel about it, how they are benefitting from it and how information sources can be improved.”
Taking participants from across Australia who have been diagnosed with the condition within the last three months, the study is using telephone interviews to gain a broader understanding of the experiences people have with receiving food and nutrition
information.
“In the first six months after diagnosis, patients often experience changes to their enjoyment of food whilst trying to follow a recommended diet, and most only temporarily adhere to dietary modifications.
Understanding is crucial in the first six months
“Factors influencing dietary adherence are poorly understood and are often over simplified. Exploring patients’ experiences of dietary change and their views on the support required to maintain these changes in the crucial first six months after diagnosis will provide valuable insight into the development of better long-term self-management strategies.
“The information we gather will help us to establish the extent to which people receive information and support that is helpful in meeting their personal food and nutrition needs, and the ways in which people could be better supported by health professionals.”
Interested participants can become involved in this research by contacting Dr Lauren Ball on (07) 5678 7342 or email [email protected]