Factors influencing the adherence of elderly people to a diet for type 2 diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases globally, particularly among the elderly, where metabolic complications and socioeconomic challenges make its management more difficult. This qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study investigated the factors influencing dietary adherence in 13 elderly individuals diagnosed with T2DM, treated at Primary Healthcare Units in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews, analyzed using Minayo's thematic analysis method. The results showed that barriers to adherence include physical limitations, such as muscle weakness and chronic pain, overload from household chores, economic difficulties in purchasing healthy foods, and resistance to changing ingrained eating habits. Additionally, the lack of support in healthcare facilities, such as blood glucose monitoring devices, and the disconnect between nutritional guidelines and participants' realities contribute to poor adherence.