A Qualitative Exploration of the Support Needs of Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes and Disordered Eating Behaviours.

AIMS: We aim to explore the support needs of individuals living with type 2 diabetes and disordered eating behaviours.

METHODS

We conducted semistructured interviews with adult participants living with type 2 diabetes and self-identified disordered eating behaviours recruited from an Australian allied health service. Data were analysed through reflective thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Ten adults with type 2 diabetes (seven female, three male; mean age 66.3 ± 8.97, range: 52-80) were interviewed. Four themes are presented related to participants' support needs: (1) the need for increased information about the interactions between food, eating behaviours and diabetes and self-management; (2) a desire for increased time with knowledgeable health professionals who provide tailored person-centred diabetes care and support; (3) mental health services integrated into diabetes care are desired due to relationships between mental health, disordered eating behaviours and diabetes management; and (4) family, peers and community can offer invaluable support, but stigma can be a barrier to support seeking.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals living with T2DM and disordered eating behaviours report diverse support needs including tailored informational support and emotional support from health professionals, family and peers. Although further research is required to develop and evaluate the implementation of specific interventions and care pathways, health professionals should endeavour to provide adequate time and resources for personalised education, and to promote and facilitate appropriate mental health and peer supports.