Qualitative Analysis of Caregiver and Patient Experiences With and Barriers to Medical Nutrition Therapy Utilization in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes
Authors' conclusion
This study generated informative insights on the perceptions and experiences of patients and caregivers regarding barriers to MNT implementation in pediatric T1D. Efforts to enhance MNT appreciation and utilization in this population by targeting the identified barriers through patient-/family-centered strategies are crucial.
Study context
- Population
- Caregivers of patients with T1D <18 years and youth with T1D aged 12–17 years with T1D duration ≥1 year
- Participants
- 9 vs 9
- Comparison
- Caregivers vs Patients
- Caregiversn = 9
- Patientsn = 9
- Outcome
- Experiences with and barriers to MNT utilization
Methodological detailssemi-structured interviews, phenomenological research design augmented by grounded theory methods, socioecological framework
- Semi-structured interviews
- Phenomenological research design augmented by grounded theory methods
- Socioecological framework
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Themes on challenges to medical nutrition therapy (MNT) utilization across 5 domains: individual, shared child/caregiver-specific, interpersonal, institutional, community/societal
- Central theme: recognition of the importance of MNT in pediatric T1D management juxtaposed with barriers to its implementation
- Mediating factors: diabetes technologies' impact on prandial practices, balance of caregiver involvement and emerging patient independence, emphasis on normalcy, matching child's way of eating with that of others, school-based considerations, cultural/sociodemographic influences
Original publication
Qualitative Analysis of Caregiver and Patient Experiences With and Barriers to Medical Nutrition Therapy Utilization in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes. Endocr Pract. Published 21 November 2025. doi:10.
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