Diabetes Conference-NFOD 2026

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a patient-centered counseling approach that enhances engagement, encourages behavior change, and improves diabetes self-management. By fostering a collaborative and empathetic dialogue, MI helps patients explore their ambivalence toward lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and glucose monitoring. This technique empowers individuals to set realistic goals, increase intrinsic motivation, and take active steps toward better glycemic control. Incorporating motivational interviewing into diabetes counseling has been shown to improve adherence, reduce clinical complications, and enhance overall quality of life. Training healthcare providers in MI strategies ensures that patient interactions are supportive, effective, and focused on sustainable behavior change.