Living with type 2 diabetes: 'Putting the person in the pilots' seat'

Objective To better understand the day-to-day lived experiences of those adults with type 2 diabetes, in particular, their historical and current ability to self manage this condition. Design This qualitative study utilised aspects of both phenomenology and grounded theory to inform the study design, namely an iterative thematic content data collection and analysis process. This enabled the identification of emerging themes. Setting Sample subjects all resided in Whanganui, New Zealand and were interviewed either in their own home, workplace or in a private room at the Whanganui Regional Primary Health Organisation. Subjects Nine in depth interviews were conducted with a purposively selected sample of adults living with type 2 diabetes; five females and four males; four New Zealand Europeans, four Maori and one Samoan. Years since diagnosis ranged from one to twenty three. Results The results demonstrate similarities between this research and that conducted internationally in terms of the impact of the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and the difficulties adopting and adapting to the complex self care tasks required to manage this chronic condition on a daily basis. Support to self manage in this study was harnessed more readily from spiritual beliefs, family and friends rather than from health professionals. Conclusion Development of a sense of ownership or control of the condition is paramount to enable people to self manage effectively on a day to day basis and is determined primarily by the individual's personal support systems. The primary focus of care should therefore be on the 'person', their story, needs and support systems, including the provision of health services and educational programs, well versed with and reflective of the broad principles of self management in a multi cultural environment.