For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on recommendations for facilitating positive health behavior change, according to 2026 ADA Standards. 81.75% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question
KC has type 2 diabetes, diagnosed 5 years ago. They report low physical activity, frequent sugar-sweetened beverage intake, and high stress related to work. Last A1c was 8.2%. KC reports previous advice to “exercise more and drink less soda,” but reports making minimal changes. They express interest in improving health but feels overwhelmed by where to start.
Which of the following responses best aligns with the 2026 ADA Standards of Care recommendations for facilitating positive health behavior change?
- Advise KC to stop sugary drinks and record physical activity minutes daily.
- Ask KC, “What makes improving your health important to you right now?”
- Focus the visit on intensifying glucose lowering medications first and revisit lifestyle changes at the next appointment.
- Recommend KC find social support for activity at the local gym and work with KC to set goals to avoid sugar-sweetened beverages.
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer A is incorrect: 2.38% chose this answer, “Advise KC to stop sugary drinks and record physical activity minutes daily.” Although the Standards of Care do recommend avoiding sugar-beverage consumption and increased activity, this answer is prescriptive and not collaborative. Simply telling the patient what to do without assessing motivation or barriers does not align with ADA recommendations for patient-centered behavior change.
Answer B is correct: 81.75% chose this answer, “Ask KC, “What makes improving your health important to you right now?”” This question is an example of a response using the strategy of motivational interviewing (MI). MI is a patient-centered counseling method that explores readiness, addresses ambivalence, helps patients identify barriers to behavior change and encourages confidence while setting goals. The 2026 ADA Standards of Care recommend using MI, along with other strategies, to help individuals with diabetes adopt sustainable lifestyle behaviors, including diet, physical activity, and stress management.
Answer C is incorrect: 3.57% chose this answer, “Focus the visit on intensifying glucose lowering medications first and revisit lifestyle changes at the next appointment.” While medication intensification may be a first step and necessary approach to support KC is their diabetes management, it fails to first address KC’s goals and desires. In addition, the 2026 ADA Standards of Care emphasize integrating behavior change support alongside pharmacologic therapy.
Answer D is incorrect: 12.3% chose this answer, “Recommend KC find social support for activity at the local gym and work with KC to set goals to avoid sugar-sweetened beverages.” While this option does consider strategies of social support and goal-setting it lacks assessment of readiness and barriers and again is a more prescriptive approach vs. collaborative approach.
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!
