Explainer video: Assess- Evaluating Patient Readiness for Diabetes- Management Strategies
Discussing weight with people living with type 2 diabetes can be difficult, but it is vital to improving care. Many patients with overweight or obesity may feel reluctant to bring up weight or seek support, which is why physicians should approach the topic with sensitivity. Asking for permission to discuss weight in a non-judgmental way helps reduce feelings of stigma or discrimination,...
Discussing weight with people living with type 2 diabetes can be difficult, but it is vital to improving care. Many patients with overweight or obesity may feel reluctant to bring up weight or seek support, which is why physicians should approach the topic with sensitivity. Asking for permission to discuss weight in a non-judgmental way helps reduce feelings of stigma or discrimination, which research shows can negatively affect diabetes self-care and increase emotional distress. Patients who feel judged about weight often report poorer interactions with clinicians, higher BMI, and higher HbA1c levels.
When patients are ready, clinicians should explore their weight history, previous attempts, and barriers to weight loss, then set realistic, manageable goals together. Starting with small, collaborative changes in diet, physical activity, or self-care can make weight management more achievable. Thoughtful conversations not only support weight reduction but also improve diabetes outcomes and strengthen patient engagement.
References:
1. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 8. Obesity and weight management for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2022. Diabetes Care. 2022;45(suppl 1):S113-S124.
2. Potter L, Wallston K, Trief P, et al. Attributing discrimination to weight: associations with well-being, self-care, and disease status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Behav Med. 2015;38(6):863-875.
3. Puhl RM, Himmelstein MS, Hateley-Browne JL, et al. Weight stigma and diabetes stigma in U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes: associations with diabetes self-care behaviors and perceptions of health care. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2020;168:108387.
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