Diet Adherence among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Concept Analysis

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the concept of diet adherence and its components in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: The Walker and Avant (2011) method of concept analysis was used. Scientific databases were queried for research articles in the English language published during 2010–2020 using the search terms: compliance, adherence, treatment adherence, diet adherence, T2DM, and concept analysis. The tools that measure diet adherence and its attributes were identified and evaluated. RESULTS: The concept of diet adherence implies the process of following a diet plan by means of self-monitoring, maintaining, and preventing relapses. Diet adherence is facilitated by antecedents which comprise motivation, understanding the dietary recommendations, developing appropriate health beliefs, self-efficacy, setting achievable goals, and receiving social support. Successful diet adherence brings consequences in health as reflected in improved T2DM-specific clinical parameters and enhanced health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with T2DM often have poor diet adherence due to failure to understand, implement, and maintain the required antecedents, such as motivation, understanding, health beliefs, self-efficacy, practical goals, and social support. Healthcare providers need to ensure that the patients understand the concept of diet adherence and implement it in their daily lives. Further research is needed into diet adherence and its components to evolve more effective measures to be communicated to T2DM patients.