Abstract
Background
A healthy diet is the cornerstone of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) self-management. Carbohydrate is of particular interest as the nutrient with the greatest direct effect on blood glucose (BG) levels. The present study aimed to explore T2DM patients’ understanding of carbohydrate and beliefs around the role of carbohydrate in T2DM management.
Methods
Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with T2DM patients. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and a deductive thematic approach to analysis was employed using the Framework method.
Results
Four significant themes emerged: (i) a naïve conceptual understanding of carbohydrate and sugar-centric specificity to dietary behaviours; (ii) a narrow focus on BG management to the neglect of overall dietary balance; (iii) positive reception of moderate dietary advice focused on portion control from healthcare professionals (HCPs); and (iv) the impact of external moderators of dietary choices, including the influence of significant others, emotional and opportunistic eating and budgetary constraints.
Conclusions
Participants’ beliefs and understanding of carbohydrate led to an overemphasis on sugar restriction for blood glucose control to the neglect of their overall dietary balance. Diabetes educators need to place greater emphasis on the role of various types of carbohydrate foods for glycaemic control, as well as on concepts of wider metabolic health, during T2DM dietary education. Participants placed a high level of trust and value on practical, moderate portion control advice from HCPs regarding carbohydrate foods. However, HCPs need to be cognisant of external moderators of behaviour, such as the influence of family and friends, budgetary constraints and environmental eating triggers.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
This is from the official journal of the British Dietetic Association check out the BDA fact sheet on Carbohydrates
Graham
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2 comments:
Unfortunately I know people with type 2 diabetes and it's not as easy as it should be. Eating sugars is such an addictive thing and it is necessary to eat food... emotions are a tough thing when it comes to eating too ;-)
"Participants’ beliefs and understanding of carbohydrate led to an overemphasis on sugar restriction for blood glucose control"
In other words they think some of us are ignorant enough to think we don't needs carbs with every meal!
When will the truth emerge and we see slogans everywhere saying "CARBS KILL"?
How about a photo of rottn toes on every cake and bag of sugar? They did it for tobacco!
Ray
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