Attitudes and barriers to dietary advice aimed at reducing risk of type 2 diabetes in first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes

Objective To evaluate the attitudes to and adoption of dietary advice in nondiabetic first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes and to examine barriers to adherence. Design One-year controlled intervention study, where treatment group (n=73) received lifestyle education. Attitudes towards dietary advice, change in dietary habits and importance of potential barriers to adherence were evaluated by questionnaires. Nondiabetic relatives (25-55 years; males and females) of individuals with type 2 diabetes were recruited. Education was based on current nutrition recommendations and aimed at improving dietary fat quality, increasing intake of fruit and vegetables, with additional advice to reduce dietary glycaemic index (GI). Main outcome measures Attitudes and importance of barriers were classified by the intervened subjects into four categories ranging from 'No problem' to 'Yes, definitely a problem'. Dietary adherence was monitored by food frequency questionnaire at baseline and after 1 year. Results Participants were generally in favour of advice aimed at improving dietary fat quality. Attitudes towards advice to reduce GI varied widely. Food selection changed in accordance with predefined dietary goals. 'Forgetfulness', 'low availability in lunch restaurant' and 'lack of ideas for cooking' were barriers to adherence. Conclusions Dietary advice aimed at reducing risk of type 2 diabetes was generally positively received and adopted in subjects with heredity for the disease. The most prevalent barriers reported are potentially modifiable.