title: 'Diabetes is nothing': the experience of older Singaporean women living and coping with type 2 diabetes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to describe, through qualitative methods, the experiences and ways of coping of older Singaporean Chinese women with type 2 diabetes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a qualitative approach, 10 Singaporean Chinese women between the ages of 60-69 described their experiences of living and coping with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three themes were identified in the analysis: (i) Living with diabetes; (ii) Coping with diabetes; and (iii) Caring for the self in diabetes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings indicate that women living and coping with diabetes confront numerous issues. In order to help these patients initiate and sustain lifestyle modifications, healthcare providers are encouraged to be empathetic and supportive and an understanding of the coping strategies used will ensure that effective coping strategies are utilised. Furthermore, diabetes education for family members will assist them to provide essential, ongoing support for the patient.
authors.affiliation: Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Jiemin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Vicki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Drury
authors.forename: Beverley
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012846:Singapore