Understanding the Unmet Needs of People Living with Type 2 Diabetes in Self-Managing Their Condition

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence is rising worldwide. Despite numerous efforts to tackle T2D, many initiatives fail due to poor engagement. Consumer involvement in healthcare design is increasingly recognized as an effective strategy for managing diabetes. Aim: To understand the unmet needs of people with T2D in self-managing their condition through the development of a Consumer Reference Group (CRG). Methods: The CRG was established using a standardized approach advised by Monash Partners, with specific terms of reference for consumer engagement. A face-to-face training workshop was conducted to develop consumers' skills in co-designing T2D interventions. Two focus groups were also conducted to identify consumers’ unmet needs and proposed solutions for effective T2D management. Inductive thematic analysis was used to extract themes. Results: Ten adults (3 females/7 males; 58-78 years old) with T2D participated. The thematic analysis highlighted four main themes: (1) misinformation; (2) limited guidance; (3) self-management; (4) prevention and screening. Consumers reported unmet needs in maintaining motivation, managing T2D alongside other commitments, and addressing mental health issues. They felt misinformed about self-management and lacked guidance from healthcare professionals and organizations, often relying on conflicting information. Those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds noted a lack of tailored dietary information. Proposed solutions included training primary care providers, reinforcing the role of diabetes nurse educators, providing targeted mental health support, and collaborating with CALD communities for culturally appropriate dietary information. Conclusions: These findings are crucial for informing consumer-driven intervention programs for T2D management, developed by and for people living with T2D.