The impact of insulin therapy and attitudes towards insulin intensification among adults with type 2 diabetes: A qualitative study.
As type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a progressive chronic condition, regular clinical review and treatment intensification are critical for prevention of long-term complications. Our aim was to explore the personal impact of insulin therapy, both positive and negative consequences, and attitudes towards future insulin intensification.



Twenty face-to-face interviews were conducted, and transcripts were analysed using thematic inductive analysis. Eligible participants were adults with T2DM, using insulin injections for <4years. Participants were mostly men (n=13, 65%), (median (range)) aged 65 (43-76) years, living with T2DM for 11.5 (2-27) years.



Five themes emerged regarding the consequences (positive and negative) of insulin therapy, including: physical impact, personal control, emotional well-being, freedom/flexibility, (concerns about) others' reactions. Increased inconvenience and the perceived seriousness of using fast-acting insulin were both reported as barriers to future insulin intensification, despite most participants being receptive to the idea of administering additional injections.



Positive and negative experiences of insulin therapy were reported by adults with T2DM and most were receptive to insulin intensification despite reported barriers. These findings may inform clinical interactions with people with T2DM and interventions to promote receptiveness to insulin initiation and intensification.
The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes, Diabetes Victoria, 570 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia; School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, 3125, VIC, Australia. Electronic address: etruscott@acbrd.org.au.
Elizabeth
E
Holmes-Truscott
The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes, Diabetes Victoria, 570 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia; School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, 3125, VIC, Australia.
Jessica L
JL
Browne
The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes, Diabetes Victoria, 570 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia; School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, 3125, VIC, Australia; AHP Research, 16 Walden Way, Hornchurch RM11 2LB, United Kingdom.
Jane
J
Speight
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001290:Attitude; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research
D007328:Insulin
Attitudes; Insulin therapy; Psychological insulin resistance; Treatment intensification; Type 2 diabetes