A Grounded Theory Study of the Experience of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in First Nations Adults in Canada

Abstract

Diabetes among First Nations peoples has reached epidemic proportions, and diabetes prevalence, complications, and mortality rates are higher than in Whites. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to investigate the experience of Type 2 diabetes in First Nations adults. Ten individuals living in one reserve community, in southwestern Ontario, participated in this research. Participants were interviewed on two occasions by a First Nations nurse. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. A three-phase process of integration emerged, similar to the process of integration discovered in prior research with Type 1 diabetic Whites. However, there were some important differences in the characteristics of these three phases. In addition, there were surprising findings related to beliefs about the type of diabetes educator desired by these First Nations clients.