Living with type 2 diabetes: A family perspective

Aim: To explore the beliefs, attitudes and perceptions of adults with Type 2 diabetes and their family members. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with: (i) people with good diabetes control (HbA1c< 7.0%); (ii) their family members; (iii) people with poor diabetes control (HbA1c> 8.5%); and (iv) their family members. Results: There were no discernible differences between those with good and poor diabetes control or between the family members of each group. Overall, family members perceived diabetes to be more serious and as having a greater impact on daily life than those with the illness. Those with diabetes were unaware of this heightened concern and had a more relaxed approach to living with diabetes. The lack of information and perceived knowledge about diabetes impacted upon participants' causal attributions about the illness and its perceived severity. Conclusions: Diabetes is an illness that affects both individuals and families. There is a need for further investigation into the impact that family members have on the management of diabetes.