title: Perceptions of the Healthfulness of Foods of New Zealand Adults Living With Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study.
abstract: To investigate dietary perceptions of adults with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
  
  
  
  Three discussion groups (n = 12) were conducted to investigate how participants source dietary information and evaluate the healthfulness of foods. Participants were men and women with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. White board notes were photographed and audio recordings transcribed. Codes were applied and themes generated using an inductive approach.
  
  
  
  Four themes emerged: (1) perception of food components, (2) factors perceived to influence the healthfulness of foods, (3) perceptions of dietary information, and (4) challenges to forming accurate perceptions. Participants perceived the healthfulness of food to be influenced largely by carbohydrates, fat, and sugar.
  
  
  
  Perception of the healthfulness of food varied among participants and at times was contrary to dietary guidelines. Participants were wary of dietary advice and sought consistent, reliable, and up-to-date sources of information to guide food choices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lawrence
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nathan Reynolds
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Electronic address: bernard.venn@otago.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Joseph Venn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D054626:Consumer Health Information; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000208:ethnology; D003927:Diet, Diabetic / Q000191:economics / Q000208:ethnology; D000072001:Diet, Healthy / Q000191:economics / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005515:Food Labeling; D057141:Food, Preserved / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009520:New Zealand; D009753:Nutritive Value; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011236:Prediabetic State / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000208:ethnology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: diet; food; healthy eating; prediabetes; type 2 diabetes mellitus