5 Ways Health Coaches Support Clients with Type 2 Diabetes

As we’ve been discussing diabetes these past weeks, we know that physicians and healthcare providers help their patients manage type 2 diabetes by:

• Testing For & Diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes

• Providing pamphlets and information on weight loss, physical activity, and nutrition

• Prescribing medication like metformin

• Providing and educating on tools for self-monitoring, like glucose monitoring

• Identifying the need for insulin

While all of the above are important steps in type 2 diabetes care, many physicians do not have the time or knowledge on behavior change strategies to frequently support their patients through their journeys. This is where health coaches can come in as a vital source of support for individuals living with type 2 diabetes.

In a 2021 study examining the Effectiveness of Health Coaching in Diabetes Control and Lifestyle Improvement, it was found that a 6-month health coaching intervention significantly improved type 2 diabetic patients’ HbA1c by 0.62% as well as their healthy diet behavior.

5 Ways Coaches Make A Large Impact

1. Connection

Coaches connect with their clients by creating a safe, confidential environment where clients can speak freely. The coach approach values:

• Holding Unconditional Positive Regard

• Mindful Listening

• Empathy

• Leading As A Humble Role Model

• Honoring Silence (Not Rushing)

2. Empowerment

As a key component of coaching entails “Allowing Clients To Find The Answers That Work Best For Them,” coaches have a large role in supporting clients to build the confidence in taking control of their health. Coaches allow clients to take the lead, and provide any needed resources or education for their clients to achieve the steps they set for themselves. Examples include helping clients with: goal-setting, problem-solving, managing emotional distress, and addressing other physical or emotional barriers to change.

3. Personalized Resources

Meeting weekly or bi-monthly, coaches know you. Therefore, they work to ensure the resources you receive are tailor made for you.

Some coaches, with your permission, work with your doctors to make certain you are getting the most out of your coaching.

For example, if your client’s primary physician recommends that your health goal be meeting the CDC standards of aerobic exercise, your coach can:

• Define the CDC standard and explain aerobic vs. anaerobic vs. strength training exercise

• Help you envision where you are now, where you’d like to be with exercise, and see what is possible for you when reaching your goal

• Help you identify exercise and physical activity you enjoy or activities you’ve enjoyed in the past

• Explain why exercise helps manage blood glucose levels

• Help you identify steps to work towards your goal that make sense for you- This considers factors like time, budget, environment, personal preferences, and other life obligations

4. Identification of Preferred Strategies

Your health coach won’t tell you “the way.” Everyone is different, and has different preferences. So, your coach will help you identify and use your strengths to your advantage. For example, your coach can help you by:

• Brainstorming ideas to experiment with different forms of movement

• Looking at your relationship with food

• Providing resources like journals, classes, support groups, etc. that are customized to your needs

• Providing information, with permission, on how making a change can improve your diabetes management

• Following your lead as to what topics are most beneficial for you to address during sessions

5. Understanding the “Why”

Change is most impactful when people want to change. Health coaches work with clients to determine their values in life, or the reasons why they seek transformation. Holding these values at the center of a journey leads to greater motivation and intrinsic desire for change. Rather than telling you to make an adjustment, your coach will work with you to recognize why you need to make it. And, when life gets challenging and your willpower is tested, your coach is there for you to go back to these values, and remember why you started.

All in, coaching offers so much more than just a weekly “check-in.” Curious about learning more or connecting with a coach? Schedule a complementary call here.