Significados e práticas dietéticas entre idosos diagnosticados com diabetes mellitus tipo 2

Abstract

Objective: To understand the meanings and dietary practices among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Methods: This qualitative study was conducted between September 2016 and March 2017 using through semi-structured interview with 20 older adults diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) living in the city of Jequie, Bahia, Brazil. The information was submitted to thematic content analysis and the following categories emerged: T2D older adults’ decisions regarding dietary requirements; Meanings given by T2D older adults to prescribed diets; “I get out of line”: flexibility in dietary practices; Facilities and difficulties in diet management. Results: Although the older adults understand the importance of diet, they behave in several different ways in relation to dietary requirements, ranging from full adherence to non-adherence. Diet is perceived as difficult, tasteless, controlled, disgusting and does not consider their preferences, thus causing feelings such as sadness, feelings of weakness and death. The older adults are flexible towards dietary requirements and seek to adapt to their health condition. Diet management was shown to be centralized and complex given the need for a cultural break. Conclusion: The older adults reinterpret and adapt the biomedical explanations as they value culture, sociability and sensory pleasure. Intersectoral, interdisciplinary and innovative practices are recommended for more effective diet management outcomes.