Of the 88 million American adults with prediabetes, 1.5 million transition to type 2 diabetes annually. Lifestyle changes could delay progression to type 2 diabetes development. Glycemic Excursion Minimization/Glucose Everyday Matters (GEM) is a self-guided intervention that empowers individuals via a guide paired with a continuous glucose monitor and activity monitor to understand how dietary and activity choices impact their blood glucose excursions. This qualitative study aimed to explore participant perspectives and experiences of GEM.
Design
Semi-structured qualitative interviews.
Setting
The study was conducted at an urban medical center. Interviews took place via HIPAA compliant Zoom.
Participants
Participants from a larger clinical trial who completed the GEM intervention for prediabetes (n = 16).
Method
Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Using two coders, iterative cycles of inductive thematic analysis was performed to yield overarching themes related to the GEM guide and intervention.
Results
Analysis of 16 interviews revealed five major themes which highlighted the positive outcomes in health status, disease insight and support experienced during the GEM trial.
Conclusion
Key findings included increased knowledge on the relationship between lifestyle choices and glucose excursions, and positive insight on the GEM intervention and its components. Feedback from this study will be incorporated into further adoption of the GEM intervention for a prediabetes population.
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