'If You Cut Me, I'd Probably Bleed Coca-Cola': A Qualitative Exploration of Barriers and Facilitators to Type 2 Diabetes Management Among Chinese Adults in the UK.

OBJECTIVES

Chinese populations are at an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and related complications, yet limited research has explored diabetes self-management in the UK Chinese community. This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to T2DM self-management in the UK Chinese community.

DESIGN

This study adopted a qualitative design. Three focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted on Zoom with 22 Chinese participants with self-reported type 2 diabetes living in the UK. The participants ranged from 24 years to 85 years (mean age = 66 years, SD = 17.1). A purposive sample was recruited through study adverts in Chinese community centres and via snowball sampling. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis (TA).

RESULTS

This paper discusses four themes in detail. (1) Key barriers to healthy eating were time constraints and convenience, cultural expectations and lack of nutritional knowledge. (2) Facilitators for healthy eating included having a support network, health education and modifying eating habits. (3) Barriers to physical activity included low importance of exercise, work and family commitments and environmental constraints. (4) Facilitators for physical activity were community-based exercise, culturally appropriate exercise such as Tai Chi, and benefits to mental health. It was found that dietary changes were perceived as important in diabetes management; however, physical activity was seen as less important when considering diabetes management.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes self-management among UK Chinese adults is shaped by collectivist family structures, culturally embedded food practices, and barriers within healthcare provision. Interventions should move beyond individualised behaviour change models and incorporate family-inclusive education, bilingual resources, and community-embedded physical activity programmes. Culturally appropriate diabetes services may enhance engagement and support self-management within this population.