Redefining Diabetes Care: Evaluating the Impact of a Carbohydrate-Reduction, Health Coach Approach Model in New Zealand

Abstract

This study explores a novel healthcare model employed in the primary care setting integrating a carbohydrate-reduction dietary approach and health coaching for managing prediabetes (PD) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in New Zealand. Using qualitative methods, we conducted focus groups with 46 patients and individual interviews with health coaches and general practitioners across two regions. Five major themes emerged from inductive thematic analysis: reduced carbohydrate lifestyles, health coaching, implementation, empowerment, and sustainability. Patients reported significant health improvements, including weight loss, reduced medication burden, and increased energy. Challenges included resistance from some medical professionals and negative public perceptions. Health coaching played a crucial role in patient care, providing individualised support and enhancing health literacy. The study found that this model both improved patient outcomes and also alleviated the burden on healthcare professionals by managing time-intensive aspects of patient care. Barriers to the adoption of this model include scepticism about low-carbohydrate diets and the need for more education and awareness among healthcare professionals. The findings suggest that this healthcare model has the potential to transform the management of PD and T2D in primary care, shifting patients from lifelong medication dependence to significant health improvements and potential disease remission or reversal.