The Lived Experiences of Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Poor Glycaemic Control in Nigeria: A Qualitative Study

TL;DR

This study explores the personal experiences of people with poorly managed type 2 diabetes in Nigeria, highlighting challenges like financial burden, stigma, and gaps in healthcare.

Contribution

The study provides new qualitative insights into the lived experiences of T2DM patients with poor glycaemic control in Nigerian secondary healthcare settings.

Findings

Participants described the financial burden and physical health challenges associated with T2DM.

Emotional distress and stigma were significant psychological impacts reported by individuals with T2DM.

Healthcare gaps included inadequate information and education in secondary care settings.

Abstract

Many individuals living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) struggle to maintain optimal glycaemic control. Reports from Nigeria show particularly high rates of poor glycaemic control, increasing the risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications. Little research has explored the lived experiences of individuals living with T2DM with poor glycaemic control in Nigeria, particularly in secondary healthcare settings, to guide improvements in care.

This study explored the experiences of individuals living with T2DM with poor glycaemic control.

A qualitative research design was used. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted with 14 participants, aged 35 to 74 years, recruited from 3 secondary healthcare institutions in Lagos, Nigeria.

Four key themes were generated: (1) Beyond the T2DM diagnosis, which captures the perceptions of T2DM, the financial burden of the condition, and the onset of physical health issues associated with T2DM; (2) Psychological impact of T2DM, which highlights mental health difficulties and experiences of stigma; (3) Managing and living with T2DM, which describes the use of traditional medicine, the influence of religious beliefs and the importance of community and social networks and (4) Diabetes care at secondary healthcare institutions, which highlights patient-provider interactions and the gaps in information and education.

The findings provide valuable insight into the lived experiences of individuals with T2DM with poor glycaemic control and underscore the importance of addressing knowledge gaps and providing psychological support as integral components of comprehensive diabetes care.

Living with Type 2 Diabetes in Nigeria: Personal Experiences of People Who Face Challenges in Managing Their Blood Sugar

Why was the study done? Many people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) face challenges in managing their blood sugar levels. In Nigeria, this is a common issue that can result in significant health issues such as damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart. However, there is still limited information about the experiences of people in Nigeria who face challenges in managing their blood sugar levels, especially those that receive treatment at secondary care centres. Understanding their experiences can help improve the support and care they receive. What did the researchers do? This study explored what life is like for people living with T2D who face challenges in managing their blood sugar levels. Fourteen adults, aged 35 to 74, from three secondary health centres in Lagos, Nigeria shared their personal experiences. What did the researchers find? People shared their views about T2D, the costs involved in its treatment and the physical health problems that came with it. They spoke about how living with T2D affected their emotions, including feeling worried and judged by others. They shared how they coped with challenges in achieving good blood sugar control, including using traditional medicine, leaning on their faith and getting support from family and their community. Finally, they talked about their experiences with care at the secondary care centres, including their interactions with healthcare providers and the lack of clear information. What do the findings mean? This study helps us better understand the life of people with T2D who face challenges in managing their blood sugar levels. It shows the importance of providing people with more information about diabetes and emotional support as key parts of good diabetes care.

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