Provider-Patient Interactions as Predictors of Lifestyle Behaviors Related to the Prevention and Management of Diabetes

Abstract

Growing evidence suggests that healthcare provider advice may increase tobacco cessation, reduce alcohol use, and improve the adoption of desirable lifestyle behaviors among patients. However, how brief interventions and other provider-patient interactions can shape cumulative adoption of multiple modifiable behaviors is less well studied for diabetes prevention and control. Using weighted internet panel survey data from a large socio-demographically diverse urban population in the United States (n=1,003), the present study describes differences in group characteristics among those who had been “ever diagnosed” with prediabetes/diabetes versus those who had not. It also examines the associations between the cumulative adoption of lifestyle behaviors and each of the following: a) lifetime prediabetes/diabetes diagnosis; b) brief lifestyle intervention exposure (i.e., received provider advice/encouragement); and c) recent provider-patient communication about diabetes. There were several group differences in “ever diagnosed” prediabetes/diabetes status by age, employment status, health status, nutrition knowledge, blood pressure/hypertension diagnosis, and diabetes-related health behaviors (p<0.05). Each of the three provider-patient interactions of interest were positively associated with a higher cumulative sum of adopted modifiable lifestyle behaviors for diabetes prevention and management. Results suggest that provider advice/provider-patient interactions of any type can have a salutary impact on whether individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes will engage in recommended lifestyle behavior modifications.

Patient Perspectives on Lifestyle Changes Following a Diabetes Diagnosis

“…This approach is supported by Shakya et al (2023), who pointed out the influence of cultural contexts on lifestyle change experiences among prediabetic individuals (Shakya et al, 2023). Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of supportive provider-patient interactions in fostering effective lifestyle modifications (Robles & Kuo, 2022).…”

“…Bekele et al (2020) systematically reviewed the challenges faced by individuals in Africa, identifying cultural and socioeconomic factors that impede the adoption of dietary and lifestyle recommendations (Bekele et al, 2020). Similarly, Robles and Kuo (2022) discuss how provider-patient interactions can influence lifestyle behaviors, suggesting that effective communication and supportive relationships with healthcare providers are crucial in fostering lifestyle modification (Robles & Kuo, 2022).…”