Eating habits and Type 2 diabetes

Title of research

Dietary change trajectories after the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes

Institution

Newcastle University

Name of lead investigator

Dr Sharron Kuznesof

Research funded by

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

Who to contact

Mr Ian Boffey, PhD student
Tel: 0797 711 9904
Email: i.j.boffey@ncl.ac.uk

Recruiting until

February 2013

Total number of participants needed

12

Who can and cannot take part?

Participants must be aged over 18, have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, live in the North East of England and be able to speak English.

What is the research about?

Type 2 diabetes can, in part, be managed by changing the types of food that are eaten. However, many people find it very difficult to make changes to their diet because in order to do so they must be properly motivated, know what changes to make and be able to maintain such changes in the long term. Few studies have looked at all of these aspects together.

This project will consider the ways that people change their eating habits and how they cook and prepare food after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. It will also consider how these changes have been maintained over time and the difficulties that people with Type 2 have experienced.

How will it benefit people with diabetes?

This study will provide a better understanding of how people can make the necessary changes to their diet when faced with Type 2 diabetes. It has the potential to improve care for people with Type 2 by making a significant impact on policy and guidance and enhancing the support and information on diet that is offered when people are diagnosed

What will taking part involve for participants?

Participants who take part in the research will be asked to attend up to six in-depth interviews either at the University of Newcastle or another convenient location. Each interview will be arranged at a time to suit the participant, last from one hour to an hour-and-a-half and occur approximately once every two months over a period of one year. The interviews will focus on participant’s past and present eating habits, their experiences of being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and the support and information they received on diet and the changes they made to their diet following their diagnosis. Interviews will be audio recorded.

What are the risks involved in taking part?

The study is designed to be non-invasive but it is possible that participants might feel emotional or upset when asked to talk about their health and their diagnosis with Type 2 diabetes. However, all participants will be fully briefed before the interviews to ensure that they know what to expect and will be free to withdraw from the study at any time.

All of the data gathered will be made anonymous (so that participants cannot be identified) and will be stored securely on computers owned by Newcastle University.

Is there any compensation for taking part?

After the study has finished, participants will receive £30 to cover any expenses they incur during their involvement.