Exploring the experiences of individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type ii, and their significant others’ caring for them

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable disease (NCD) with an increase in prevalence. The debilitating consequences of this disease include mortality, morbidity, a decrease in quality of life, with an enormous financial and social burden on the diagnosed person and their significant others. The global prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus type II (DMII) is escalating with similar consequences on individuals and families. Individuals find the acceptance of the disease and necessary lifestyle changes challenging which result in poor health decisions with non-adherence to treatment, financial limitations, emotional, physiological, and psychosocial discomfort. The aim of this research was to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of those living with DMII and their significant others caring for them.