Methodological Approaches in Studying Type-2 Diabetes-Related Health Behaviors – A Systematic Review

In the context of rising global prevalence, type 2 diabetes (T2D) presents significant challenges for public health due to its strong association with modifiable health behaviors. This systematic review explored how researchers have studied behavioral domains such as diet, physical activity, medication adherence, and blood glucose monitoring among individuals living with T2D. A total of 30 peer-reviewed studies and 10 comparative studies published between 2003 and 2025 were analyzed. The review identified four dominant methodological categories: quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, and technology-assisted designs. Quantitative methods were most frequently used, offering measurable outcomes, though many relied on self-reported data. Qualitative studies provided rich contextual understanding of psychosocial and cultural factors but had limited scalability. Mixed-methods approaches integrated statistical and narrative depth but posed challenges in execution. Technology-assisted methods including mobile apps and wearable devices enabled real-time monitoring and behavior tracking, improving objectivity while raising concerns about privacy. Physical activity and dietary behaviors were the most frequently assessed domains, followed by medication adherence and glucose monitoring. Despite the variety of approaches, most studies used cross-sectional designs and lacked culturally adapted tools. This review highlights the need for more longitudinal, equity-driven methodologies that align with the behavioral needs of diverse populations managing T2D.