Emerging practices supporting diabetes self-management among food insecure adults and families: A scoping review

Personalized Lifestyle Modifications for Improved Metabolic Health: The Role of Cultural Sensitivity and Health Communication in Type 2 Diabetes Management

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a chronic multifaceted metabolic condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels with varying degrees of insulin resistance and abnormal insulin production. Lifestyle modifications, such as those defined by the guidelines for diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES), are foundational for glycemic control. A current gap in T2D management is addressing DSMES which is tailored to best serve the diversity of patients with this disease. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss the current literature related to lifestyle modification for T2D, the importance of culturally sensitive T2D management programs, and the impact culturally sensitive and diverse T2D management programs have on cardiometabolic health. Despite being disproportionately affected by T2D, racial and ethnic minorities have low referral rates for DSMES. This growing disparity may be exacerbated by a lack of awareness of how to adapt lifestyle modifications in a culturally competent manner and how social determinants of health (SDOH) may affect the infrastructure and resources available to diverse patient populations. Currently, there is limited research on how DSMES is addressed to include culturally and literacy-sensitive recommendations in the United States. Patient-centered care, emphasizing personalized DSMES, can lead to improved glycemic control, reduced healthcare costs, and improved cardiometabolic health. A key component of effective DSMES should include culturally and literacy-sensitive approaches with an awareness of the impact of SDOH. Understanding how ethnicity, race, and culture influence experiences with T2D management can help providers prescribe more patient-centered and sustainable recommendations.

"We go hunting …": Understanding experiences of people living with obesity and food insecurity when shopping for food in the supermarket to meet their weight related goals

The high prevalence of food insecurity in the United Kingdom has been exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis. In high-income countries, those experiencing food insecurity struggle to buy and consume foods that meet Government healthy eating recommendations, and are at increased risk of obesity, linked to poor diet quality. Individuals in high-income countries purchase most of their food to consume at home from supermarkets, making this an important context within which healthier and environmentally sustainable food purchasing should be supported. However, the lived experience of supermarket food purchasing in people living with obesity and food insecurity has not been explored in depth. Adults, living in England and Scotland, who self-identified as living with obesity and food insecurity and looking to reduce their weight, were recruited to take part in semi-structured interviews (n = 25) or focus groups (n = 8) to explore their experience of shopping for food in the supermarket. Using thematic analysis, four main themes were generated: 1) the Restricted Consumer; restrictions around the type of food purchased, where food can be purchased and the resulting emotional toll, 2) the Conscious Consumer; decision making and effortful practices both in preparation of and during the shopping trip, 3) Mitigating the Rising Cost of Food; agency and actions taken to mitigate high food prices, 4) Stigma; instances of perceived and/or experienced weight and poverty-related stigma and the physical actions and cognitive social comparisons used to minimise stigma. Findings provide insights for evidence-based policy on the need for upstream changes within the wider food system to address the social determinants of health and support people living with obesity and food insecurity to eat healthier and more sustainable diets.

A Lack of Food for Thought: Midlife Food Insecurity and Its Association With Subsequent Cognitive Ability of Older Americans

OBJECTIVES

The 50-59 age group in the United States experience higher levels of food insecurity (FI) compared to older adults. While previous research has identified an association between FI and cognition outcomes in older populations, limited research has examined midlife as a specific FI exposure window and the association of this hardship with long-run cognition outcomes.

METHODS

Utilizing 14 waves of Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data (1995-2020), I applied mixed-effects models to assess the relationship between midlife FI exposure and later-life cognitive function, controlling for childhood disadvantages and other health-related and sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Findings indicate that both cumulative FI duration and ever experiencing FI during ages 50-59 are significantly associated with subsequent cognitive decline. Specifically, ever experiencing FI during midlife was linked to a decrease in cognitive function by 0.07 standard units (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.13 to -0.003; p < .05). In addition, each additional year of FI exposure during midlife was associated with a reduction in cognitive function by 0.01 standard units (95% CI: -0.03 to -0.003; p < .05). These associations remained robust even after accounting for a range of potential confounders and covariates.

DISCUSSION

The findings support the cumulative inequality model, suggesting that midlife FI is a significant predictor of lower cognitive function in later life. Both the timing and extent of FI during midlife are crucial factors in shaping cognitive health outcomes. Policy interventions targeting FI in the 50-59 age group could play a pivotal role in promoting healthy aging and mitigating cognitive decline in older adulthood.

Food Insecurity and Diabetes Insulin Adherence Among Older Adults

Older adults in the United States continue to be impacted by food insecurity. Diabetes is on the rise in older adults and insulin therapy is often recommended as treatment. However, less is known about the relationship between food insecurity and insulin adherence among older adults. The current study utilized secondary data analysis methods to examine the 2021 National Health Interview Survey to explore the relationship between food insecurity and insulin adherence among adults aged 55 and older who are living with diabetes. Results of multivariable logistic regression suggest that participants experiencing food insecurity were more likely to take less insulin than needed and delay buying insulin in the past 12 months compared to participants who were food secure. Homeownership was inversely associated with taking less insulin than needed. Higher income-to-poverty ratio was also inversely associated with skipping insulin doses, taking less insulin than needed, and delaying the purchase of insulin. Our results showed that other racialized/ethnic groups (i.e., American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian, biracial, and multiracial persons) compared to White were less likely to skip an insulin dose and take less insulin than needed. Suggesting food insecurity should be considered when insulin therapy is recommended for older adults with diabetes.

Food insecurity and medication restricting behavior among persons with diabetes in the United States

BACKGROUND

Medication restricting behaviours are common among persons with diabetes increasing risk for poor health outcomes. Persons with diabetes are more likely to experience food insecurity than persons without diabetes.

AIM

This study aimed to assess the relationship between food insecurity and medication restricting behaviour among persons with diabetes in the United States.

METHODS

Data from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data conducted in the United States was used for this analysis. Medication restricting behaviour was assessed by questions asking whether four restricting behaviours were present (skipped medication, took less medication, delayed filling a prescription and/or took less medication due to cost). Food insecurity status was obtained through a 10-item scale and participants were categorized as either food secure, low food security, or very low food security. Poisson regression evaluated the relationship between medication restricting behaviour and food insecurity controlling for confounders.

RESULTS

Participants with very low food security had a significantly higher mean number of medication restricting behaviours than participants who were food secure (adjusted mean ratio (AMR) = 4.01; 95% confidence interval (CI) = (3.09, 5.21)). Similarly, participants with low food security had a significantly higher mean ratio than participants who were food secure (AMR = 3.76; 95% CI = (2.86. 4.94).

CONCLUSION

Persons with diabetes who have low or very low food security are at an increased risk for engaging in medication restricting behaviours.

A Systematic Review of Interventions That Address Food Insecurity for Persons With Prediabetes or Diabetes Using the RE-AIM Framework

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to systematically review interventions that address food insecurity for persons with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework.

METHODS

Six databases (OVIDMEDLINE, OVIDEMBASE, OVID APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, and EBSCO CINAHL Complete) were searched through January 2023. Research team members independently performed screening of abstracts and full texts, data abstraction, and risk assessment.

RESULTS

In all, 3,139 unique citations were identified, and 20 studies met inclusion criteria. Interventions included medically tailored meals/groceries (n = 10) or produce prescriptions/vouchers (n = 10). Reach and effectiveness were the highest reported RE-AIM elements. Interventions reached a high-risk population via food banks, community-based outreach, and federally qualified health centers. A majority of participants identified as female, Black, or Hispanic/Latinx and were living below the federal poverty level. Most studies reported at least 1 diabetes outcome (ie, A1C, hypoglycemia, diabetes distress, diabetes self-management). Seventeen studies reported impact on A1C, with the majority reporting a decrease in A1C and 53% (9/17) of studies demonstrating a decrease over time. Self-management improved in 50% (3/6) of studies that evaluated this outcome. Self-efficacy improved in 40% (2/5) of studies, and improvements were seen in depressive symptoms/diabetes distress (4/7 studies) and quality of life (5/5 studies). Seven studies reported statistically significant improvements in food insecurity.

CONCLUSION

Food insecurity has been associated with higher risks and adverse clinical outcomes in adults with diabetes. Implementing interventions that address food insecurity among adults with or at risk for diabetes can enhance food security and clinically important diabetes-related outcomes. Additional research dedicated to the sustainability of interventions is needed.

Clinician Awareness of Patient-Reported Health-Related Social Needs: There's Room for Improvement

INTRODUCTION

People experiencing health-related social needs (HRSNs), such as transportation insecurity, are less likely to undergo preventive health screenings. They are more likely to have worse health outcomes overall, including a higher rate of late-stage cancer diagnoses. If primary care clinicians are aware of HRSNs, they can tailor preventive care, including cancer screening approaches. Accordingly, recent guidelines recommend that clinicians "adjust" care based on HRSNs. This study assessed the level of clinician awareness of patient-reported HRSNs and congruence between clinician perception and patient-reported HRSNs.

METHODS

We surveyed patients aged 50 to 85 years and their clinicians in 3 primary care clinics that routinely screen patients for HRSNs. Patients and clinicians reported the presence/absence of 6 HRSNs, including food, transportation, housing and financial insecurity for medications/healthcare, financial insecurity for utilities, and social isolation. Kappa statistics assessed the concordance of reported HRSNs between patients and clinicians.

RESULTS

Across 237 paired patient-clinician surveys, mean patient age was 65 years, and 62% and 13% of patients were female and Latinx/Hispanic, respectively. Concordance between clinician- and patient-reported HRSNs varied by HRSN, with the lowest agreement for food insecurity (kappa = .08; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.17; P = .01) and highest agreement for transportation insecurity (kappa = .39; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.59; P < .001). The other HRSNs assessed were housing insecurity (kappa = .30; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.55; P < .001), social isolation (kappa = .24; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.45; P < .001), financial insecurity for utilities (kappa = .21; 95% CI: -0.02, 0.45; P < .001), and financial insecurity for healthcare/medications (kappa = .12; 95% CI: -0.02, 0.27; P < .001). In particular, discrepancies were noted in food insecurity prevalence: patient-reported food insecurity was 29% whereas clinician-reported food insecurity was only 3%.

DISCUSSION

Clinician awareness of patients' social needs was only modest to fair, and varied by specific HRSN. In order to adjust care for HRSNs, clinics need processes for increased sharing of patient-reported HRSNs screening information with the entire clinical team. Future research should explore options for sharing HRSN data across teams and evaluate whether better HRSN data-sharing impacts outcomes.

Views of children with diabetes from underserved communities, and their families on diabetes, glycaemic control and healthcare provision: A qualitative evidence synthesis

AIMS

Children and young people with diabetes (CYPD) from socio-economically deprived and/or ethnic minority groups tend to have poorer glucose control and greater risk of diabetes-related complications. In this systematic review of qualitative evidence (qualitative evidence synthesis, QES), we aimed to explore the experiences and views of clinical encounters in diabetes care from the perspectives of CYPD and their family/carers from underserved communities and healthcare professionals in diabetes care.

METHODS

We searched 6 databases to March 2022 with extensive search terms, and used a thematic synthesis following methods of Thomas and Harden.

RESULTS

We identified 7 studies and described 11 descriptive themes based on primary and secondary constructs. From these, three "analytical themes" were developed. (1) "Alienation of CYPD" relates to their social identity and interaction with peers, family and health service practitioners in the context of diabetes self- and family/carer management and is impacted by communication in the clinical encounter. (2) "Empowerment of CYPD and family/carers" explores families' understanding of risks and consequences of diabetes and taking responsibility for self- and family/carer management in the context of their socio-cultural background. (3) "Integration of diabetes (into self and family)" focuses on the ability to integrate diabetes self-management into the daily lives of CYPD and family/carers beyond the clinical consultation.

CONCLUSIONS

The analytical themes are interdependent and provide a conceptual framework from which to explore and strengthen the therapeutic alliance in clinical encounters and to foster greater concordance with treatment plans. Communicating the biomedical aspects of managing diabetes in the clinical encounter is important, but should be balanced with addressing socio-emotional factors important to CYPD and family/carers.

The role of family in supporting adherence to diabetes self-care management practices: An umbrella review

AIMS

Synthesize a review of reviews of the family's role in supporting adherence to diabetes self-care management practices (DSMP) for adults with type 2 diabetes (DM2).

DESIGN

An umbrella review.

DATA SOURCES

Scopus, Web of Science including MEDLINE, CINAHL via EBSCO, PubMed and Science Direct were searched for systematic reviews from their year of establishment until June 2021.

REVIEW METHODS

The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for umbrella reviews. The JBI data extraction form for systematic reviews and research syntheses was used for data extraction. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic reviews and Research Syntheses.

RESULTS

Nineteen reviews met the inclusion criteria. The key findings were summarized using a narrative and thematic analysis methods. Four main themes were identified: family interactions and diabetes self-management, family support as informal social support, factors affecting families' roles, and tailoring culturally sensitive family-based interventions.

CONCLUSION

There appears to be a consensus regarding the impact of family on adults' self-management of DM2. Additional research is needed to comprehend the role of the family in underrepresented populations and examine what constitutes a family and the diverse family functions in different groups.

IMPACT

Enhancing adherence to self-care management practices is crucial for the well-being of adults with DM2. Family support is a key to successful self-care management at home. However, understanding the unique needs of adults with DM2 and their families can help healthcare professionals plan appropriate support strategies and sustainable family-based interventions.

NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

This review did not incorporate direct patients or public input as it summarizes evidence from previously published systematic reviews.

Food Insecurity and Diabetes: Overview of Intersections and Potential Dual Solutions

Food insecurity increases the risk of developing diabetes and its complications. In this article, we describe the complex relationship that exists between food insecurity and diabetes and describe potential mechanisms that may underlie this association. We then describe how two different types of interventions, food-is-medicine and federal nutrition assistance programs, may help address both food insecurity and health. Finally, we outline the research, policy, and practice opportunities that exist to address food insecurity and reduce diabetes-related health disparities.

Association between diabetes and food insecurity in an urban setting in Angola: a case–control study

Diabetes is common in urban settings in Sub-Saharan Africa. Household food insecurity has been suggested to increase the chance of developing diabetes among adults. The relationship between diabetes and food insecurity has not been explored in Angolan urban settings so far. This case–control (1:2) study investigated the association between diabetes and food insecurity among adults attending six healthcare facilities in Luanda (Angola) between April 2019 and September 2019. All subjects with fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels ≥ 126 mg/dl were included as cases. For each case, the next two subjects with FBG levels < 110 mg/dl were included as controls, to warrant the achievement of the set 1:2 ratio. Food insecurity was assessed using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). A total of 663 participants (221 cases and 442 controls) were enrolled in the study. Median FIES raw score was 7 (IQR 1–8) in cases and 5 (IQR 2–8) in controls (p = 0.09). The distribution of FIES levels (0–3; 4–6; 7–8) was different between cases and controls (p < 0.0001), with highest FIES scores (7–8) recorded in 53.0% of cases and 38.2% of controls. Our findings revealed an association between diabetes and severe food insecurity among adults attending healthcare facilities in the capital city of Angola.

Toward Understanding Social Needs Among Primary Care Patients With Uncontrolled Diabetes

Introduction/Objectives:

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to major health complications, and significantly contributes to diabetes-related morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Few studies have examined the relationship between unmet social needs and diabetes control among predominantly Black and Hispanic patient populations.

Methods:

In a large urban hospital system in the Bronx, NY, 5846 unique patients with diabetes seen at a primary care visit between April 2018 and December 2019 completed a social needs screener. Measures included diabetes control (categorized as Hemoglobin (Hb) A1c <9.0 as controlled and Hb A1C ≥9.0 as uncontrolled), social needs (10-item screen), and demographic covariates, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status, percentage of block-group poverty, patient’s preferred language, and the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index.

Results:

Twenty-two percent (22%) of the patient sample had at least 1 unmet social need, and the most prevalent unmet social needs were housing issues (including housing quality and insecurity), food insecurity, and lack of healthcare transportation. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant relationship between social needs and uncontrolled diabetes, with more social needs indicating a greater likelihood of uncontrolled diabetes (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) for ≥3 needs: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.00). Of the patients with most frequently occurring unmet social needs, lack of healthcare transportation (AOR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.22, 1.95) and food insecurity (AOR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.89) had the greatest likelihood of having uncontrolled diabetes, after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusion:

Unmet social needs appear to be linked to a greater likelihood of uncontrolled diabetes. Implications for healthcare systems to screen and address social needs for patients with diabetes are discussed.

A qualitative investigation of lived experiences of long-term health condition management with people who are food insecure

Background

As more people are living with one or more chronic health conditions, supporting patients to become activated, self-managers of their conditions has become a key health policy focus both in the UK and internationally. There is also growing evidence in the UK that those with long term health conditions have an increased risk of being food insecure. While international evidence indicates that food insecurity adversely affects individual’s health condition management capability, little is known about how those so affected manage their condition(s) in this context. An investigation of lived experience of health condition management was undertaken with food insecure people living in north east Scotland. The study aimed to explore the challenges facing food insecure people in terms of, i. their self-care condition management practices, and ii. disclosing and discussing the experience of managing their condition with a health care professional, and iii. Notions of the support they might wish to receive from them.

Methods

Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted with individuals attending a food bank and food pantry in north east Scotland. Interview audio recordings were fully transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results

Individuals reporting multiple physical and mental health conditions, took part in the study. Four main themes were identified i.e.: 1. food practices, trade-offs and compromises, that relate to economic constraints and lack of choice; 2. illness experiences and food as they relate to physical and mental ill-health; 3. (in) visibility of participants’ economic vulnerability within health care consultations; and 4. perceptions and expectations of the health care system.

Conclusions

This study, the first of its kind in the UK, indicated that participants’ health condition management aspirations were undermined by the experience of food insecurity, and that their health care consultations in were, on the whole, devoid of discussions of those challenges. As such, the study indicated practical and ethical implications for health care policy, practice and research associated with the risk of intervention-generated health inequalities that were suggested by this study. Better understanding is needed about the impact of household food insecurity on existing ill health, wellbeing and health care use across the UK.

Experience of Caring for a Child With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in a Food-Insecure Household: A Qualitative Evaluation

OBJECTIVES

An earlier study from Nova Scotia showed that food insecurity (FI) is more prevalent (21.9%) in families of children with diabetes, yet little is known about its impact on these families. We aimed to describe the day-to-day experiences of families living with FI while caring for a child with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

This investigation was a qualitative study with thematic analyses using semistructured interviews to explore perceptions of caregivers living with pediatric T1D and FI (N=13 households).

RESULTS

Three major themes emerged: 1) FI had a disproportionate impact on families after T1D diagnosis compared with before diagnosis. The cost of healthy food threatened food security before T1D; however, there is increased hardship once high-quality food and hypoglycemia supplies are required. 2) Sacrifices to combat FI have disproportionate impacts among family members. At times, caregivers sacrificed the needs (food, medicine) of other family members (including children) to prioritize the needs of the child with T1D. 3) Caregivers perceived T1D needs as posing unique barriers to traditional FI supports, such as school breakfast programs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides insight into the realities of life with pediatric T1D and FI. Living with T1D and FI poses challenges, and caregivers often cope by making difficult choices when providing for their family. Caregivers struggled to meet dietary recommendations while finding that T1D needs are often not met by traditional FI supports. This suggests that T1D clinicians should assess FI and help families in problem solving to mitigate its impact.