Men's Experiences With Managing Type 2 Diabetes and Their Encounters With Health Professionals: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Public Health
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence is increasing globally, with gender recognized as a risk factor.
• Existing research on T2D patient experiences disproportionately focuses on women, leaving men's perspectives under-explored.
• Understanding men's unique challenges in managing T2D is crucial for effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of existing literature on men's experiences managing type 2 diabetes.
• To examine how research has addressed men's interactions with healthcare professionals in the context of T2D.
• To identify gaps in the current research landscape concerning men and type 2 diabetes.

Main Methods:

• A six-step iterative scoping review process was employed.
• Systematic identification, selection, data charting, and summarization of relevant publications.
• Consultation with external stakeholders to validate findings.

Main Results:

• Twenty-eight publications were identified, revealing a notable gap in research on men's T2D experiences.
• Most studies focused on men from ethnic minorities, often linking them to poorer health outcomes.
• A knowledge gap exists regarding men from ethnic/racial majority groups and the impact of socioeconomic status on T2D management barriers.
• Limited discussion on gendered dynamics in patient-provider encounters regarding T2D management.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for more research into men's experiences with type 2 diabetes.
• Future studies should investigate the intersection of masculinities and T2D management.
• Research should address the experiences of men across diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Understanding gendered dynamics in healthcare interactions is essential for improving T2D care for men.