Beating Diabetes Together: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of a Feasibility Study of Intensive Lifestyle Intervention for Youth with Type 2 Diabetes

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and lived experiences of an intensive group-based lifestyle intervention for youth with type 2 diabetes (Beating Diabetes Together) (BDT).

Methods: The study included 12 Indigenous youth with type 2 diabetes (mean age, 14 years; n=9 girls); they participated in a 16-week pilot study of an intensive, group-based lifestyle intervention. We conducted a mixed-methods investigation of the cardiometabolic responses and lived experiences in the intervention. Of the 12 youth with cardiometabolic risk data, 5 youth and 2 mothers participated in semistructured interviews. Interview participants were purposely selected based on the frequency of attendance and availability.

Results: The intervention was well attended (>75% retention), and youth perceived significant benefits from participation. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed 3 major themes. First, youth and parents described living with type 2 diabetes as being emotionally challenging. They described this experience as being isolating and connected to feelings of guilt and defeat. Second, youth and parents discussed benefits of participating in BDT. They shared the significance of positive relationships and experiences and how those have helped to manage their illness. Third, youth described the aspects that they most enjoyed at BDT. Peer support was an important determinant of physical activity, but they considered dietary changes to be individual behaviours. Glycemic control, blood pressure and anthropometric measures were not different following the intervention.

Conclusions: Our findings support the importance of maintaining an inclusive environment and relationship building when designing strategies to promote behaviour modification for Indigenous youth living with type 2 diabetes.