Participants' experiences of a co-adapted group-based intervention to reduce diabetes distress in people with type 2 diabetes attending municipal rehabilitation services.

AIMS: Diabetes distress affects approximately 30-40% of people with type 2 diabetes, yet interventions to address this issue are scarce. This study explored participants' experiences of a co-adapted, group-based intervention aimed at reducing diabetes distress in adults with type 2 diabetes attending municipal rehabilitation services.

METHODS

Trained health professionals facilitated eight groups, consisting of six weekly sessions. The sessions included psychoeducation, mindfulness techniques and facilitated discussions using visual dialogue tools to address diabetes distress. Interviews were conducted with 19 participants to explore their experiences of the intervention. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation.

RESULTS

Participants experienced several benefits from taking part in the intervention, including improved self-care, greater self-compassion regarding their diabetes and a reduction in worries and negative emotions about living with diabetes. These changes were closely linked to three key elements of the intervention: (1) strategies for managing diabetes distress, (2) supportive and engaged health professionals and (3) a safe peer environment. However, some participants reported challenges in their interactions with other participants due to age differences and varying levels of engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides valuable insight into the experiences of people with type 2 diabetes and highlights key supportive aspects of an intervention to reduce diabetes distress. Further research is needed to assess the impact on clinical and psychosocial outcomes of participants.