Phenomenological analysis of the lived experience of patients with type 2 diabetes and hospitalized for chronic glycemic imbalance

Introduction: Diabetes is a complex chronic disease with numerous physiological and psychosocial repercussions. Despite treatment and adaptation to the demands of the disease, chronic glycemic imbalance can set in and even require hospitalization.

Objective: To understand patients’ lived experience of glycemic imbalance requiring hospitalization. Method: Eight open interviews were conducted to gather the patients’ accounts. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to gain an in-depth understanding of their experience. Results: Hospitalization for uncontrolled diabetes is an ordeal that reactivates negative feelings and fears, as evidenced by the accounts. Although it is a difficult experience, the hospital stay can be seen as necessary and a source of change. Gathering the patients’ stories enables them to express their personal resources and formulate their needs in terms of support, information, and listening. Discussion: This study invites healthcare professionals to develop an attentive posture and to search, through the story, for the triggers of uncontrolled diabetes. From a clinical point of view, it urges the practitioner to take into consideration the psychosocial dimensions and the shortcomings of self-monitoring, a source of anxiety and distress.