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Living with Type 2 diabetes: a family perspective
Author(s) -
White P.,
Smith S. M.,
O'Dowd T.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
diabetic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.474
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1464-5491
pISSN - 0742-3071
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2007.02171.x
Subject(s) - medicine , perspective (graphical) , type 2 diabetes , diabetes mellitus , type 1 diabetes , gerontology , endocrinology , artificial intelligence , computer science
Aim To explore the beliefs, attitudes and perceptions of adults with Type 2 diabetes and their family members. Methods Focus groups were conducted with: (i) people with good diabetes control (HbA 1c < 7.0%); (ii) their family members; (iii) people with poor diabetes control (HbA 1c > 8.5%); and (iv) their family members. Results There were no discernible differences between those with good and poor diabetes control or between the family members of each group. Overall, family members perceived diabetes to be more serious and as having a greater impact on daily life than those with the illness. Those with diabetes were unaware of this heightened concern and had a more relaxed approach to living with diabetes. The lack of information and perceived knowledge about diabetes impacted upon participants’ causal attributions about the illness and its perceived severity. Conclusions Diabetes is an illness that affects both individuals and families. There is a need for further investigation into the impact that family members have on the management of diabetes.