Coping with diabetes as an everyday experience: A study from urban Chennai

The day-to-day experience of dealing with chronic diseases such as diabetes affects the behaviour and social roles of individuals. The action that individuals seek to redress their suffering is determined by their socioeconomic context and responsiveness of health services. I explored the everyday experience and coping among individuals living with type 2 diabetes. This qualitative study captures the process of coping at the individual, family and healthcare services levels. I conducted in-depth interviews among people with diabetes using a semi-structured interview schedule. Informed consent was taken from the study participants. Narratives of two women belonging to different socioeconomic strata, provide the contrast in how they cope with diabetes in their everyday life in terms of diet, exercise, medication and health-seeking behaviour. This study provides insights into the complexities involved in dealing with diabetes. It highlights how social determinants play a critical role in coping with daily living, health and illness.