The Affective Semiosis of the Hypoglycemic Symptom in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Abstract

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) involves a complex treatment because its daily management requires patients to maintain a delicate balance to avoid the symptomatic discomfort of hypoglycemia. Although hypoglycemia has been studied from a biomedical perspective, there is limited research related to the meaning construction and affective regulation processes associated with it. The present study aims to understand the affective-semiotic processes involved in the hypoglycemic symptom of T1DM by analyzing its dynamic organization and affective-semiotic regulation. Methodologically, an idiographic perspective was chosen through the microgenetic analysis of in-depth interviews in a case study. The main results indicate that the initial sensation of physical discomfort is merely the starting point of a wider semiotic network that hyper-generalizes and expands itself towards broader aspects of life and identity. Life projections, whether short- or long-term, are mediated by the fear of the symptom, which, in turn, can shape one´s perception of life priorities in life and involves the potential to shape one's future in terms of the ability to maintain health. It is proposed that the hypoglycemic symptom, as a set of experiences with the capacity to destabilize the individual, should be considered in order to: (a) Evaluate how each one is affected through affective-semiotic fields of meaning directly linked to the perception of oneself as a subject, (b) Reduce the uncertainty associated with the body's vulnerability and contingency and, (c) Foster a greater personal empowerment with respect to the disease.