Determination of acceptance of insulin therapy and experience during the adaptation period in type 2 diabetic patients

This study was carried out qualitatively in type 2 diabetic patients followed at OndokuzMayis University Endocrinology and Metabolism Department between December 2014 and April 2015, to investigate acceptability of insulin therapy and experiences of patients during the adaptation period. Sixteen patients who got insulin injection education, using insulin therapy and willing to participate in the study were included in the study. Data were collected with interview forms and in-depth interview method. The mean age of the patients was 53.7 ± 11.9 years and 75% were male. All patients gave written informed consent. Mean interview time was 20 min. Interviews were recorded with a voice recorder and written records were printed after 24 hours. Statistical methods were used for demographic variables. Content analysis was used for qualitative variables. Themes were defined in line with the results of analysis and study results were evaluated via these themes. Statements obtained from the experiences of patients were grouped into four common code groups. These code groups were acquaintance with insulin, perception of insulin, living with insulin and administration of insulin. In conclusion, from the raw data obtained from patients 14 themes were obtained. These themes were as follows: Foracquaintance with insulin lack of knowledge; for perception of insulin fear, sadness, acceptance; for living with insulin compliance difficulties in maintaining therapy, changing habits, injection problems in social environment, the opinion of the community about insulin, feeling good and for administration of insulin mistakes in insulin injection, problems in carrying insulin, fear of infection and lack of knowledge. For better acceptance and compliance of treatment, mentioning about insulin, planning treatment according to individual needs and showing empathy to help the acceptance of insulin should be taken into account during the first phase of education. Keywords: Diabetes, insulin treatment, adaptation period