Researchers asked 460 people with type 2 diabetes what kind of help they wanted most from their doctors. Nearly half wanted to learn about healthy eating and lifestyle changes, while only 1 in 5 wanted medication information. The study, done in Vietnam, found that what people wanted depended on their job, family situation, and health complications. This research shows that doctors should ask patients what they want to learn about instead of assuming everyone needs the same information.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: What topics people with type 2 diabetes most want to learn about from their healthcare team
  • Who participated: 460 adults with type 2 diabetes visiting clinics in Vietnam
  • Key finding: Nearly half (49%) wanted nutrition and lifestyle help, 33% wanted disease information, and only 18% wanted medication details
  • What it means for you: If you have diabetes, speak up about what you want to learn - your preferences matter and may help you manage your condition better

The Research Details

Researchers interviewed 460 people with type 2 diabetes at medical clinics and looked at their medical records. Each person had to choose which of three counseling topics they wanted most: learning about the disease itself (causes, symptoms, complications), getting nutrition and lifestyle guidance (food choices, exercise, weight management), or understanding their medications (how to take them, side effects, timing). The researchers then looked at factors like age, job, marital status, and health complications to see what influenced people’s choices.

This approach is important because it directly asks patients what they want instead of assuming all diabetes patients need the same information. By understanding preferences, healthcare providers can focus their limited time on what matters most to each individual patient.

This was a solid study with a good sample size of 460 people and used proper statistical methods. However, it was done only in Vietnam, so results may not apply to all populations. The study gives us a snapshot in time but doesn’t follow people long-term to see if their preferences change.

What the Results Show

The clear winner was nutrition and lifestyle counseling, chosen by nearly half of all participants. This suggests that most people with diabetes recognize that what they eat and how they live has a huge impact on their condition. About one-third wanted to learn more about diabetes itself - understanding what’s happening in their body and what complications to watch for. Surprisingly, only about 1 in 5 people prioritized learning about their medications, even though proper medication use is crucial for diabetes management.

The researchers found that certain factors influenced what people wanted to learn about. People with diabetes complications were more likely to want disease-related information, probably because they were experiencing the serious effects firsthand. Married people were more likely to choose nutrition counseling, possibly because they’re thinking about family meals and lifestyle changes that affect the whole household. People on complex medication schedules or those struggling to control their blood sugar were more interested in medication counseling.

This study adds important patient perspective to diabetes care research. While many studies focus on what healthcare providers think patients need, this research asks patients directly. The strong preference for nutrition counseling aligns with other research showing that diet and lifestyle changes can be as effective as medications for some people with type 2 diabetes.

The study was conducted only in Vietnam, so preferences might be different in other countries or cultures. It also only captured preferences at one point in time - people’s interests might change as their diabetes progresses or as they gain more experience managing their condition. The study didn’t follow up to see if getting preferred counseling actually improved health outcomes.

The Bottom Line

If you have type 2 diabetes, think about what aspect of your condition you most want to understand better and tell your healthcare team. Don’t be afraid to ask for nutrition counseling if that’s what interests you most, even if your doctor seems focused on medications. Healthcare providers should ask patients about their learning preferences rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

This research is most relevant for people with type 2 diabetes and their healthcare providers. It may be especially useful for people newly diagnosed who are trying to figure out where to focus their learning efforts. The findings might not apply as directly to people with type 1 diabetes or those with very advanced complications.

The benefits of personalized counseling based on preferences could potentially be seen within a few months, as people are more likely to follow advice that matches their interests and concerns. However, meaningful health improvements from diabetes management typically take 3-6 months to show up in blood tests.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track which diabetes management areas you’re most curious about each week - nutrition, medication timing, blood sugar patterns, or symptom changes
  • Use the app to set learning goals based on your personal interests, whether that’s trying new healthy recipes, understanding your medication schedule, or tracking how different foods affect your blood sugar
  • Monitor how your engagement with diabetes management changes when you focus on topics that interest you most, and track whether this personalized approach leads to better blood sugar control over time

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diabetes management plan. Individual needs and preferences may vary, and what works for others may not be appropriate for your specific situation.