Developing a conceptual model for understanding nutritional problems and health-related outcomes among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: implications for digital health interventions

Abstract Background It is generally agreed that a healthy diet could promote the management of diabetes, with emerging research indicating the potential delay and prevention of T2DM and its complications. This study used a qualitative method to obtain a first-hand and in-depth understanding of nutritional problems and concerns among patients with type 2 diabetes and explored the negative impacts of insufficient nutrition management on quality of life. Methods Twenty-one adult patients with type 2 diabetes participated in a semi structured interview regarding nutritional problems and negative impacts on quality of life. Recordings were transcribed verbatim, and content analysis was used to identify themes. Results Four themes emerged from the analysis to represent nutritional problems and negative impacts on quality of life: nutrition literacy, sociocultural aspects of nutrition, behaviours and nutrition management, and negative health-related outcomes . Conclusions Considering the nutrition issues and the negative impacts among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes, digital health intervention was an effective way to improve their health-related outcomes. Personal, social, cultural and religious factors should all be taken into consideration when promoting nutrition knowledge and behaviours.