Eclaire A.G. Hietbrink^1,2, Chantal H.M. Pot², and Gozewijn D. Laverman^1,2

¹Department of Biomedical Signals and Systems, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands; ²Department of Internal Medicine/Nephrology, Ziekenhuisgroep Twente, Almelo, The Netherlands
e.a.g.hietbrink@utwente.nl

Background: Lifestyle plays a crucial role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D), yet its integration into consultations within standard care remains challenging. This study aims to gain insight into the implementation of lifestyle in T2D care, focusing on the current and future role of lifestyle from the perspective of diabetes nurses.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with diabetes nurses from ZGT. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results: Lifestyle is seen as an important aspect of consultations. However, barriers such as limited expertise in lifestyle guidance, the limited applicability of guidelines, time constraints, patient relationships, and limited patient motivation hinder the discussion of lifestyle topics. Although nurses recognize the necessity of discussing and supporting lifestyle in every consultation, they consider comprehensive lifestyle guidance to be beyond their primary role. They believe that in-depth lifestyle guidance should be delegated to experts and recognized lifestyle programs. The potential of eHealth, anti-obesity medication, and medical technology to support a healthy lifestyle and weight loss was acknowledged. Participants emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration both within ZGT and regionally to facilitate a holistic approach to lifestyle promotion.

Conclusion: Lifestyle is viewed as an important but complex topic within consultations. Future visions highlight the need for education, applicable guidelines, outsourcing of in-depth lifestyle guidance, and improved collaboration. Advances in medicine and technology offer promising opportunities to enhance diabetes care and support patients in achieving a healthier lifestyle. These insights contribute to the discussion on the implementation of lifestyle as an integral part of T2D care.