From Reactive to Proactive Diabetes Care: Identifying Barriers to Nutrition Education

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to identify barriers to delivering and receiving nutrition education for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as perceived by primary care providers (PCPs). Methods: A literature review was conducted to reveal barriers to delivering and receiving nutrition education currently identified in patients with T2DM. PCPs from a local nurse practitioner organization were surveyed to determine the significance of these barriers, identify additional barriers, and propose potential interventions to increase the number of patients receiving nutrition education. Demographic data of project participants were also collected. Results. Project findings revealed that the most significant provider-related factors were limited time during office visits and complexity of care, and the most significant patient-related barriers were patients’ hesitancy to change daily routines, sociocultural inconsistencies with provider recommendations, lack of access to education services, and costs of receiving education. Additional barriers identified were the nature of education (e.g., the need for repetition of educational content before comprehension) and poor patient knowledge and attitudes (i.e., lack of motivation and misinformation). Potential interventions targeted improved access to services, provider training to emphasize lifestyle modification, and health policy advocacy. Conclusion. Nutrition education is a key component to successful diabetes management. Its delivery and receipt is critical given the current rise in incidence and prevalence of the disease. Addressing barriers identified in this project will likely increase the number of patients receiving nutrition education, ultimately improving clinical outcomes for many, and may be the focus of future initiatives targeting diabetes management.