A contribution of qualitative research to a better understanding of diabetic patients

In spite of advances in the management of diabetes mellitus, late complications still present problems. Research suggests that improved metabolic control, including the change of lifestyle, which requires the patient's own willingness and ability to adapt, could limit those complications. This article is intended to provide the background to a long-term research programme designed to gain a deeper understanding of diabetic patients' perspectives in their attempt to adapt. It describes an important phase in the programme, building on the conceptual categories emerging from a group of diabetic patients in a previous study (Ternulf Nyhlin et al. 1987). It also uses the experiences of further groups of diabetic patients, in an attempt to show the usefulness of a cumulative approach towards the building up of a theoretical framework. Some inherent methodological issues are discussed.