The experience of living with diabetes following a self-management program based on motivational interviewing

Self-management is an important part of diabetes treatment, but the promotion of self-care activities is still a challenge. In this study, we explored how living with diabetes in everyday life was experienced following a self-management intervention program based on motivational interviewing. We conducted seven focus group interviews, each comprising 3 to 5 participants diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Data analysis based on a phenomenological method revealed three main themes concerning diabetes self-management: becoming a self-regulating practitioner, managing the rules of self-management, and creating a supportive social network. Narrative analysis revealed a divergence in patients' self-perceived competence in handling diabetes. The study findings indicate that people with diabetes have specific needs for support in the daily responsibility of managing diet, exercise, medication, and blood glucose monitoring. A meaningful treatment from the patient's perspective would appear to be one aimed at overcoming problems the patient experiences in self-management of diabetes.