MOTIVATE AND EDUCATE PATIENTS TO MAKE HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES
NORTH AMERICA is seeing escalating rates of obesity and, subsequently, Type 2 diabetes. In fact, this condition, previously named non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, may comprise between 90% to 95% of cases, reveals the CDC.
Given that diabetes puts patients at risk for vision loss from diabetic retinopathy and that Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented, we, as primary eye care providers, should motivate our patients to change their unhealthy behaviors and provide resources to enable them to make healthy food choices.
PATIENT MOTIVATION
The Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, a non-profit research and public policy organization focused on promoting solutions to childhood obesity, poor diet and weight bias through research and policy, encourages the use of “motivational interviewing” when broaching the subjects of diet, exercise and weight loss with patients.
Specifically, motivational interviewing employs an empathetic, interactive listening style aimed at enhancing self-efficacy and personal control via emphasizing the disconnect between one’s personal health goals and one’s current behaviors, reveals the Center. (See bit.ly/2qJ20iJ for a full list of interview questions.)
Examples of interview questions for patients who are overweight or obese:
- How ready do you feel to change your eating patterns and/or lifestyle behaviors?
- What kinds of things have you done in the past to change your eating?
- What are your hopes for the future if you are able to become healthier?
RESOURCES
In addition to educating patients about avoiding processed foods and items high in refined carbohydrates and sugar, guide them to eat foods that will support their ocular health, such as kale, spinach, broccoli, orange peppers and cold water fish (wild salmon, rainbow trout and sardines) — all of which are high in lutein and zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene.
Also, refer patients to the American Diabetes Association website, diabetes.org, which includes the tool “Create Your Plate.” (See image.) Specifically, this tool guides the patient to filling 50%, 25% and 25% of his or her plate with non-starchy vegetables, lean protein and grains and starchy foods, respectively.
Patients can also use the website to choose an unsweetened drink, such as water, unsweetened tea or coffee, to round out the meal.
AFTER THE FACT
Should patients already have diabetes, put them in touch with a registered dietician for ongoing nutritional counseling, if they don’t already have one, and keep in close contact with these patients’ primary care provider to ensure effective long-term ocular care. OM
