‘It’s not a disease, it’s a nuisance’: Controlling diabetes and achieving goals in the context of men with Type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Despite a steady growth in research into men’s health, little is known about how men experience life with a chronic illness like Type 1 diabetes. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted an interview study with 15 men who have Type 1 diabetes. Following grounded theory analysis of the interview transcripts, we generated a number of inter-related themes which were then formulated as a theory of adjustment to life with Type 1 diabetes. This theory indicates that men reduce the seriousness of diabetes by defining it in ways other than a serious illness. By viewing diabetes in this way, men are then able to prioritise the pursuit of their personal goals over adherence to the diabetes regimen. Finally, men reassess their relationship with diabetes in light of diabetes-related complications. The goal of this process is to find the ‘best fit’ for diabetes in their lives – a place which will allow them to pursue and satisfy their personal goals. As men progress through life, personal goals may change and so too will their relationship with diabetes.

Keywords:

• men’s health
• diabetes mellitus
• Type 1
• masculinity
• adjustment
• grounded theory