The process of living with type 2 diabetes. Person and Family: A grounded theory.

Abstract

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus type 2 is one of the most serious problems facing the world today, as those who suffer from it are affected physically, socially, economically, psychologically, and spiritually. Type 2 diabetes should be studied comprehensively, taking into account not only its physical aspects but also the perspective of the person living with the illness. Objective. To know what it is like to live with diabetes mellitus type 2 in an urban environment with access to public healthcare. Methodology. Qualitative study based on established theory. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the ethics committee of a first-level health institution in the State of Puebla (Mexico). Six in-depth interviews were conducted; the participants were three men and three women who had agreed to participate in the study. Streubert and Carpenter’s guidelines were followed. Findings. The results obtained related to the central category: "adapting to diabetes mellitus type 2" and four supporting categories: 1. family support; 2. economic situation of the patient and his or her family; 3. employment aspects; 4. spiritual support, as well as the researcher’s interpretation of the literature. Discussion. Family, economics, employment status, and spiritual support are key factors to consider when discussing people who suffer from diabetes mellitus type 2. These factors should be consideredwhen treating patients. Conclusions. The researcher succeeded in laying the groundwork for a descriptive grounded theory by linking patients’ ability to adapt to diabetes mellitus type 2 with their families’ support and their spirituality.