Barriers and enablers to health service access amongst people with diabetes: An exploration of the perceptions of health care staff in regional Australia

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic condition associated with impaired glucose regulation which can lead to hyperglycaemia if not managed adequately. Its global prevalence is manifested by an involved interplay of socioeconomic, demographic and environmental factors (International Diabetes Federation, 2019). Optimal glycaemic control is associated with a reduced risk of serious complications of micro-(end-stage renal disease and blindness) and macro-vascular conditions (heart attack or stroke) in people with T2D (Hayward et al., 2015). Regular engagement with healthcare providers is recommended for optimal blood glucose levels; however, non-attendance at diabetes-related appointments with healthcare professionals is a worldwide problem (Brewster et al., 2020). The model of diabetes care used differs among healthcare providers and services, and there are a multitude of factors that influence an individual to seek or