Providing nutrition care to people with prediabetes is challenging: qualitative exploration of healthcare providers' views

Background: Prediabetes presents an opportunity for healthy lifestyle intervention, including nutrition care, to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Primary care is the optimal setting for providing nutrition care to patients. However, it is unclear what healthcare providers’ (HCPs) attitudes are towards prediabetes diagnosis and management in the Australian healthcare context. Aim/Objectives: To explore the views of HCPs regarding providing nutrition care to people with prediabetes. Methods: This study used a qualitative design to explore views and attitudes towards prediabetes management. Semi-structured, telephone interviews were conducted with HCPs from one large general practice in south-east Queensland. All general practitioners (GPs) and registered nurses employed by the practice who provided care to patients with prediabetes were invited to participate. Interviews were audio-recorded with permission, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. Resulting themes and subthemes were discussed among all investigators until consensus was reached. Findings: Eight interviews were conducted with six GPs and two nurses. Findings revealed challenges in providing nutrition care to patients with prediabetes. Four themes arose: (1) HCPs report actively managing prediabetes; (2) frequency and intensity of nutrition care for prediabetes relies on consultation length and competing patient priorities; (3) referrals for individual diet support depend on costs and patient motivation; and (4) HCPs want a healthcare system that enables proactive prediabetes management. Implications: HCPs face challenges in enabling patients with prediabetes to access nutrition care. Future interventions exploring ways to improve the current nutrition care model to better support individuals with prediabetes is recommended.