TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS BELIEFS AND EXPERIENCES

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine if there are specific factors that positively influence the beliefs, behaviors, experiences, and self-management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adult patients. A qualitative study was completed involving five participants from northeast Wisconsin who have had Type 2 diabetes mellitus for at least 1 year duration and were between the ages of 40 and 65 years. Participants were selected using the snowball method. Interviews were conducted, transcribed and assessed using the Colaizzi method. Four specific themes were identified from the transcripts including: In the beginning, transitioning and the future, discussing a regimen, and searching for deeper meaning. In the beginning described how the participants found out they had diabetes, trying to understand the cause of the illness, and how life with diabetes is a burden that needs to be faced every day. In transitioning and the future, the participants showed how overwhelming diabetes is when diagnosed and their feelings of anger, guilt, frustration, and regret that they did not do more to prevent getting this illness. Discussing a regimen was the third theme and incorporated the diet, exercise, testing of blood sugars, medication, and following treatment recommendations from their primary care providers. Finally, beliefs and searching for deeper meaning described how some participants were influenced by their cultural or family beliefs and family support and how this affected the self-management of diabetes. Further recommendations for nursing research and practice were made related to the beliefs and experiences of adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.