Barriers to Nutrition Education for Hispanic Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review

Background Hispanic adults in the United States face immense challenges in managing type 2 diabetes (T2D), especially those impacted by social determinants of health. Culturally inclusive nutrition education is a key strategy to self-management of T2D. Understanding the barriers to accessing and implementing nutrition education methods in this population is important for developing targeted interventions. Methods We completed a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. We searched the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and EBSCO for studies published between 2000 and 2025 that examined barriers to nutrition education among Hispanic adults with T2D. Data extraction and quality assessment were completed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) version 2018. Results Ten studies met our inclusion criteria. Our review identified the following key barrier domains that impact access to nutrition education: structural and systemic factors (such as transportation and health care access), sociocultural influences (including family roles and health beliefs), economic limitations, and psychosocial factors such as motivation, emotional distress, and stigma. Language and literacy issues were frequently reported as both access and implementation challenges. Conclusion Barriers to nutrition education among Hispanic adults with T2D are complex and deeply intertwined in social, cultural, and systemic contexts. Although access barriers were more commonly reported, low health literacy and lack of culturally tailored educational materials were implementation challenges that further limit nutrition education program effectiveness. Future interventions should be both culturally tailored and inclusive in addressing barriers that will improve health outcomes for this population.