‘Living with challenges in the shadow of diabetes’: An interview study among adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a diabetes-related complication with vague and progressive symptoms with few available treatments. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of diabetic peripheral neuropathy among adults living with type 1 diabetes. Twelve interviews were performed and qualitative content analysis was used. The overarching theme ‘living with challenges in the shadow of diabetes’ substantiated by the categories ‘pay attention to changes over time’, ‘frequent needs to facilitate living’ and ‘burdens to manage’ represents a daily awareness of the complication where autodidactic strategies were implemented. The conclusion indicates that it might be beneficial if nurses in diabetes care initiate an open-minded dialogue with adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy to highlight their experiences and to discuss further strategies to facilitate living.