Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026

Effects of Mindfulness Training Combined with Tai Chi in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Published on: July 14, 2023
Misperception of patients with type 2 diabetes about diet and physical activity, and its effects on readiness to
Renate Jansink1, Jozé Braspenning, Ellen Keizer
1Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. r.jansink@iq.umcn.nl
Background:
The aim of the present study was to assess misperceptions about lifestyle among patients with type 2 diabetes and their effects on readiness to change.
Methods:
Nine hundred and forty patients, with an HbA1c >7% and a body mass index >25 kg/m(2), from 57 general practices participated in a cross-sectional survey. Misperceptions of lifestyle (fruit, vegetable, and fat consumption, as well as physical activity) and readiness to change were determined with validated questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis calculated the association of misperception with readiness to change.
Results:
The response rate was 55.4%. Misperception existed for all lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, 41.5%; consumption of fruit, 40.1%; consumption of vegetables, 69.2%; consumption of fat, 21.6%). Misperception significantly affected readiness to change the relevant lifestyle (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals] ranging from 2.67 [1.68-4.23] to 1.80 [1.16-2.79]), except in the case of fruit consumption. The degree of misperception varied greatly between the different lifestyle behaviors and was somewhat larger (1-10%) than that in the general Dutch population.
Conclusions:
Patients with type 2 diabetes misperceive their lifestyle behaviors, which hinders lifestyle changes. The variations in misperception and readiness to change show that diversity should be considered in lifestyle counseling for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Related Concept Videos
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...