“How I Can Help Me”: Self-Care Priorities and Structural Pressures Among Black Older Adults With Diabetes

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives Disparities in type 2 diabetes mellitus (diabetes) represent an ongoing public health challenge. Black older adults are at high risk of diabetes and diabetes’ complications. Diet, physical activity, and medication can control these risks, yet disease rates remain elevated. Utilizing an intersectionality framework, we seek to extend understanding of the social dimensions of diabetes through an examination of the diabetes self-care process from the perspective of Black older adults. Research Design and Methods This project involved a thematic analysis of diabetes illness narrative interviews with Black participants (N = 41) in our National Institute on Aging-funded study of diabetes. In a narrative approach, the participant communicates the significance of actions and events. Results The findings suggest that diabetes self-care involves interconnected struggles across four domains of care: (1) multimorbidity management, (2) financial well-being, (3) family support, and (4) formal health care. Discussion and Implications Black older adult self-care reflects an active process of pursuing meaningful social goals and critical health needs. An intersectional framework, however, reveals the ongoing histories of inequity that shape this process. Further intervention to address the racist policies and practices found in Black older adults’ communities and clinical care is needed to make true progress on diabetes disparities.