Shame and Type 2 Diabetes: Patient Perceptions of Providers' Impacts on Disease Self-Management

Diabetes is a well known chronic disease that, according to the CDC, affects more than 30 million Americans. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death and has many potential complications that dramatically affect the quality of life. There is a substantial amount of research done regarding the treatment for diabetes even in relation to how healthcare providers communicate with their patients and how continuity of care is beneficial. One area requiring further investigation is the psychological impact of this chronic disease and how patients perceive their interactions with healthcare providers. Research has shown patients may feel personally responsible for unsatisfactory blood test results or when their weight has not decreased. They also feel the suggested lifestyle modifications are difficult to implement due to decades of habits they are asked to break. This negative mindset regarding themselves and their Type 2 diabetes may affect the patient’s confidence in managing their disease. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic progressive disease but patients may feel the progression of the disease is completely their fault. This research explores the emotional impact of patient-provider interactions and provides an insight into ways healthcare workers can better inspire and care for patients with Type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. A qualitative survey was used to allow patients to share their experiences and their feelings about their interactions with healthcare professionals. Patients stated a need for more individualized care and improved communication skills by their providers. They stated that providers who listened to them about their concerns and collaborated regarding treatment plans. These preferences were similar regardless of the type of healthcare provider and encompassed many types of treatment plans from lifestyle changes to insulin injections. Improving these experiences will increase patient confidence in managing their disease and diminish the negative emotional effects that Type 2 diabetes has on an individual’s life.