Introduction: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is expected to affect 1 in 3 adults by 2050. This study aimed to learn more about risk perception and communication about T2D between family members, particularly unaffected first degree relatives of an individual with diabetes. Identifying ways to improve communication and reduce T2D risk among those with a family history of T2D can inform family-based risk-reduction interventions.
Methods: Semi-structured qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with 33 unaffected individuals, who had a first degree relative with T2D, to gain perspectives on ways to facilitate familial T2D communication and risk reduction. Participants were recruited from the community and from a T2D pharmacogenetic study. Themes were developed using deductive and inductive codes and were applied to the transcripts.
Results: Many participants expressed worry or fear about T2D. The most common topic of conversation regarding T2D was diet, including diet as management for affected individuals and diet as prevention for unaffected individuals. Many participants felt that the biggest barrier to communication was that T2D was not relevant to people who didn’t have it. Recommendations to increase communication included becoming more educated about T2D and then sharing that education with others or appointing role models within the family who will facilitate communication.
Conclusion: Educational efforts are needed to inform family members at-risk of T2D of their own risk based on family history, as well as ways to reduce risk in addition to dietary changes. Family members with and without T2D should be encouraged to communicate with their relatives about T2D and the risk to family members. Such efforts may help increase awareness about risk and motivate at-risk individuals to modify their lifestyle to reduce their risk.