Perceptions of people with Type 2 diabetes about self-management and the efficacy of community based services

Self-management has become a key strategy for managing the health care of people with diabetes. This study explored issues people with type 2 diabetes experienced in their self-management practices and access to regional community based services. Using a qualitative interpretative design data was collected from four participants who were interviews about their perceptions of facilitators, barriers and issues they encountered in their diabetes care in a regional setting. The findings indicate difficulties participants experienced in gaining access to quality services in regional areas, including long waiting times, difficulties making appointments, and their perception that healthcare professionals fail to acknowledge patients self-management knowledge and practices. Additionally, participants reported food choices affected their family relationships and experience of social stigma. These issues compromised their self-management decisions. The findings support other studies that show a need for health professionals to develop strategies to improve community based services for people with type 2 diabetes and to increase public awareness of the scope of diabetes management.