Diabetes Mellitus: Experiencing a Chronic Illness

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic, complex disease involving numerous pathophysiological features. There is a paucity of studies relating to psychological factors. The available research is not conclusive and in addition is largely quantitative in nature. The aim of this investigation was to gain an understanding of the life-world of people with diabetes and to acquire insight into the demanding aspects of their lives. The research procedure involved interviewing subjects who suffer from diabetes. A pilot study was conducted in order to test a number of open-ended questions. On the basis of these results, a set of semi-structured questions was formulated for the main study. The main study involved interviews with 13 subjects aged between 20 and 45 years who belonged to a diabetic organization and who volunteered for the investigation. The interviews were recorded on audiotape and later transcribed. Five of the protocols obtained were analyzed according to the method outlined by Giorgi and they produced an encompassing description of the life-world of a diabetic. The themes which emerged included the appearance of the first symptoms and their effect on people with diabetes, the impact of the diagnosis, the emerging pattern of the life-world of people with diabetes and the prospects for the future. The phenomenological approach proved valuable in highlighting many aspects of diabetes. Recommendations are made which may be of benefit to people with diabetes and their families.