Takeaway
Link clinical recommendations to what matters most to patients. Set attainable goals together and address potential barriers like mobility and food access.
Lifelong Learning in Clinical Excellence | January 29, 2026 | 2 min read
By Eva Tseng, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Medicine
As the New Year begins, many people reflect on their health and set resolutions to improve their well-being. Among them is Mary, a 64-year-old office manager who recently discovered she has prediabetes. After her doctor explained the implications of the condition, Mary felt overwhelmed. Her clinician provided her with a list of recommendations, but some were hard to adopt, like trying to walk more, because she has knee arthritis and winter can be cold for walking. This exemplifies the challenges that physicians can have when engaging patients in chronic disease prevention, specifically for diabetes. Below are five key tips for practitioners looking to improve patient outcomes in the New Year.
1. Encourage incremental lifestyle changes.
Patients often feel daunted by the prospect of making significant changes to their eating and exercise habits. By setting specific, achievable goals, clinicians can empower patients to take manageable steps toward improved health. For instance, instead of a rigid walking schedule, propose starting with gentle exercises, such as swimming or water aerobics, which can be easier on the joints. For Mary, her clinician suggested attending a local indoor swimming class, allowing her to break a sweat without stressing her knees. Celebrate these small victories as stepping stones toward greater health!
2. Promote evidence-based programs.
Introduce patients to the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a structured yearlong lifestyle change program recognized by the CDC and covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and some private insurers. The DPP offers support from trained coaches and provides resources for maintaining long-term health changes. Encourage patients to embrace this supportive community, tapping into online resources or local offerings that provide opportunities for interactive engagement and lasting change. This isn’t just a program; it’s a lifeline for many seeking support on their health journeys.
3. Foster open communication.
Establishing a trusting relationship with patients is crucial for successful engagement. Encourage open dialogue about their health concerns, preferences, and motivations. Regular follow-ups can help address their progress and any roadblocks they encounter. For example, when Mary’s doctor regularly checked in on her progress, she felt more supported and motivated to continue her journey toward better health.
4. Leverage motivational interviewing techniques.
Employ motivational interviewing to explore and resolve any ambivalence patients may have about changing their lifestyle. Ask open-ended questions that help unravel their desires and hesitations. For example, during a conversation, Mary’s physician learned of her passion for spending quality time with her grandkids. This insight became a powerful motivator for Mary—she envisioned a healthier lifestyle enabling her to engage more fully in their lives, thus reinforcing her commitment to change.
The New Year presents a perfect opportunity for clinicians to inspire patients to prioritize their health. By fostering a supportive environment and providing clear, evidence-based guidance, healthcare professionals can play a pivotal role in combating the epidemic of chronic diseases like diabetes. Mary’s story is a vivid reminder that with the right encouragement, resources, and strategies, incremental change is possible. Together, clinicians and patients can make strides in diabetes prevention, paving the way for a healthier future.
This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.