Multidimensional Lifestyle Measures as Tools for Self-Reflection in Type 2 Diabetes

Fanchiang, Shanpin Morris Keiyana Bouchonville Matthew F.

Background: For people with diabetes, self-management is important to reduce the risks of complications. Lifestyle interventions are multidimensional because of the influence of resources, societal changes, scientific and technological advancement, and the environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has strained lifestyle on a global scale. Lifestyle surveys provide opportunities to reflect on the living experience and identify alternatives to enrich lifestyle. Method: A qualitative approach was used to explore existing generic, none-disease specific, and multidimensional lifestyle measures to identify if these have included smartphone use for self-management to determine the potential for use as a tool for self-reflection and lifelong learning. Results: A total of 15 multidimensional lifestyle measures were identified. All included diet/nutrition, physical activity/exercise. Stress or mental health was described in all 9 generic lifestyle measures;social support and relationship were included in 6 (67%), sleep and health responsibility were in 5 (56%), and spiritual or religious pursue was in 3 (33%). One lifestyle measure classified spirituality in the stress management dimension. None included smartphone use and technology-related chronic illness management. Conclusion: New dimensions need to be created to use a lifestyle measure as a self-reflection learning process, including those that incorporate the use of technology. The advancement in environmental neuroscience can also shed light on a healthy lifestyle in the area of connection to nature/environment. Lifelong learning to adopt these new activities as lifestyles should also be reflected in lifestyle measures for it to be a self-administered learning tool.