Nutrients, Vol. 18, Pages 1467: Facilitators and Barriers of Adherence to Time-Restricted Eating in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Study
Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu18091467
Authors:
Brooke L. Devlin
Siobhan McKenna
Bridget E. Radford
Rebecca C. Hall
Leah Brennan
Xochitl de la Piedad Garcia
Evelyn B. Parr
Background/Objectives: Time-restricted eating (TRE) has shown promise for improving glycemic control and supporting weight management in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). However, limited evidence exists regarding factors that influence adherence to TRE in this population. This study aimed to explore the experiences of adults with T2DM who completed a 6-month TRE intervention to identify key barriers and enablers in adherence. Methods: A qualitative design was used involving semi-structured interviews with twenty-two adults (12 male, 10 female) with T2DM who completed a 6-month TRE intervention involving a 9 h eating window ending at 7:00 pm. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively using thematic analysis. Results: Facilitators included (1) social and professional support; (2) simplicity; (3) perceived physical benefits such as weight loss, improved glycemic control, and sleep; and (4) improved routine. Barriers included (1) social events occurring outside the eating window; (2) misalignment of eating times with daily routines; and (3) hunger outside permitted eating hours. Although hunger was common, it did not consistently undermine adherence. Conclusions: TRE was viewed as acceptable and feasible for adults with T2DM when supported through structured implementation. Future interventions should incorporate social support and tailor strategies to individual routines to enhance sustainability.
Background/Objectives: Time-restricted eating (TRE) has shown promise for improving glycemic control and supporting weight management in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). However, limited evidence exists regarding factors that influence adherence to TRE in this population. This study aimed to explore the experiences of adults with T2DM who completed a 6-month TRE intervention to identify key barriers and enablers in adherence. Methods: A qualitative design was used involving semi-structured interviews with twenty-two adults (12 male, 10 female) with T2DM who completed a 6-month TRE intervention involving a 9 h eating window ending at 7:00 pm. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively using thematic analysis. Results: Facilitators included (1) social and professional support; (2) simplicity; (3) perceived physical benefits such as weight loss, improved glycemic control, and sleep; and (4) improved routine. Barriers included (1) social events occurring outside the eating window; (2) misalignment of eating times with daily routines; and (3) hunger outside permitted eating hours. Although hunger was common, it did not consistently undermine adherence. Conclusions: TRE was viewed as acceptable and feasible for adults with T2DM when supported through structured implementation. Future interventions should incorporate social support and tailor strategies to individual routines to enhance sustainability. Read More