How to use salutogenesis to design a healthy eating programme for people with type 2 diabetes?

Samenvatting

Background: Improving dietary habits significantly impacts the well-being and disease management of individuals with Type 2
diabetes (T2DM). However, sustaining dietary improvements through conventional diabetes lifestyle programs remains a challenge. This study aimed to create and evaluate a salutogenic intervention targeting healthy eating in individuals with T2DM.
Methods: Employing the salutogenic model of health, guiding principles were derived and applied to design the intervention.
A developmental approach blending quantitative and qualitative methods was employed, including life-course interviews to
uncover intricate connections between eating habits, stress levels, and social support in individuals with T2DM.
Results: The intervention, SALUD, approached behavioral change through introspection and emphasized social support, prioritizing
participant engagement and flexibility. Evaluation via a randomized controlled trial showcased consistent improvements inresilience, food literacy, dietary intake, and body weight in the SALUD group compared to controls. Qualitative feedback highlighted its positive impact on health, enhancing participants’ sense of control and overall quality of life.
Discussion: This salutogenic intervention differentiated itself by offering a holistic, flexible, and supportive approach to promoting
healthy eating among individuals with T2DM. The initial findings demonstrate its efficacy in initiating dietary changes. Furthermore, the evaluation process refined design principles and contributed to a comprehensive understanding of salutogenic interventions.