Living with diabetes: issues for nursing practice

Abstract

Discussion in this paper is based on findings drawn from research undertaken within a qualitative framework of analysis, and with the purpose of exploring people's perceptions of living with diabetes, including the nursing care they receive. A major theoretical concern is to demonstrate the importance of placing patients' and clients' experiences at the centre of nursing interest and practice. It is argued that understanding a disease process should of necessity include an understanding of the concerns of those who live with it. Findings related to the following research questions are discussed: first, what are the challenges of living with diabetes? and second, what are people's perceptions of the nursing care they receive?

Fears and worries associated with hypoglycaemia and diabetes complications: perceptions and experience of Hong Kong Chinese clients

“…Perceiving optimal glycaemic control as the primary indicator of good self‐management is a finding congruent with previous studies (Callaghan & Williams 1994, Richmond 1996, Paterson et al . 1998).…”

Alcohol, diabetes and the student body

“…Good control, though, means not only keeping blood sugars within a medically normal range, it also means ensuring that diabetes will not unduly affect everyday practices and performances. Many studies of people with diabetes have demonstrated that a recurring element in individuals' narratives is that they do not want their condition to hinder or restrict them in any way, or render them 'abnormal'; they do not want to be controlled by their diabetes in the process of attempting to control it (Callaghan and Williams 1994).…”

Kenyan nurses' involvement in managing hospitalized diabetic patients

“…Multiple factors influence patients' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to being a diabetic. Callaghan and Williams report that patients expect nurses to be knowledgeable about diabetes, skilled in including the patient and her experiences in planning self‐care, and respectful of the patient as a person 17 . Effective communication leading to a therapeutic relationship helps diabetic patients in Australia and Mexico cope with the stress of diagnosis and the need to change their lifestyle 18,19 .…”