Exploring Components and Feasibility of Health Coaching Interventions for Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Protocol for a Systematic Review.

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) currently has no cure. However, extensive evidence suggests that addressing key risk factors through lifestyle changes can help individuals effectively self-manage their condition. Diabetes self-management primarily involves patients engaging in self-monitoring behaviors and adopting coping strategies to manage their long-term illness. In recent years, health coaching interventions have gained recognition as a valuable approach for providing personalized support, enabling patients to take an active role in managing their health. By fostering behavior change through goal setting, active learning, accountability, and empowerment, health coaching equips patients with the tools to proactively manage their condition over time. This approach is especially important for researchers and policymakers, as it underscores the need for acceptable, engaging, and personalized care interventions that have a lasting positive impact, promoting self-sufficiency and improved quality of life for individuals with T2D. Objective: The objective of this study is to systematically review published, peer-reviewed, primary research studies to evaluate the effectiveness of health coaching interventions for T2D self-management, with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as the primary outcome. It aims to examine how intervention components, delivery modalities, and health coach characteristics relate to effectiveness, acceptability, and engagement. Methods: This study protocol outlines the procedure for a systematic review that follows the methodology recommended by PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols) guidelines. The review will include randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and qualitative studies published in English up to December 1, 2024. The following databases will be used to conduct searches: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, with additional studies identified through citation searching and reference list screening. Included studies will consist of health coaching interventions delivered one-to-one through face-to-face, remote or digital, or artificial intelligence-supported formats. The primary outcome of interest is HbA1c, alongside additional clinical outcomes and qualitative data related to acceptability and engagement. Study selection will involve independent screening by reviewers, with disagreements resolved by consensus. Quantitative data will be synthesized using narrative synthesis, and qualitative findings will be analyzed using thematic and framework analysis within a staged, segregated synthesis approach. Results: As of September 2025, database searches have been conducted, and decisions have been made related to the included publications. Data extraction and analysis are currently ongoing. Results are expected to be published in summer 2026. The review is underway and is anticipated to be completed by May 2026. Conclusions: This review will synthesize evidence on the effectiveness and implementation of health coaching interventions for T2D and is expected to inform the design of effective and sustainable coaching models for diabetes self-management.