A qualitative study exploring and understanding the experiences and unmet needs of adults with type 2 diabetes and diabetes-related foot ulcers

IF 3.3 3区医学 Q2 ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM

Diabetic Medicine Pub Date : 2026-10-15 Epub Date: 2026-05-04 DOI:10.1111/dme.70343

Molly Caba, Jane Speight, Agnieszka Glab, Patrick Highton, Kamlesh Khunti, Michelle Hadjiconstantinou

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Aims

Diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFUs) are associated with depression, impaired health-related quality of life, an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and early mortality. To inform holistic care pathways, this qualitative study explored the experiences and unmet needs of adults living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and DFUs.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 adults with T2DM and current or previous DFUs, and 20 healthcare professionals with experience treating DFUs. Topic guides were underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes and three sub-themes were created relating to the impact of DFUs. DFUs were perceived as a ‘wake-up call’; the experience often came as a shock, prompting individuals to consider what was responsible for their development. DFUs impacted individuals' behaviours in multiple ways: for some, they were a catalyst for positive change; for others, they fostered behaviours that were unhealthful and/or discordant with professionals' advice. DFUs negatively affected the physical and psychosocial well-being of individuals with DFU; sedentary behaviours instigated by DFUs led to changes in mood and mental health, in addition to increased weight, mobility problems and an amplified risk of health complications. Regarding the unmet needs of people with T2DM and DFUs, three themes were developed, capturing the need for treatment plans created through shared decision making and improving access to physical well-being and psychological support.

Conclusions

These findings identify several important areas of unmet need regarding care for adults with T2DM and DFUs, which can help inform improved support for this population.

查看原文本刊更多论文

一项定性研究探索和理解成人2型糖尿病和糖尿病相关足溃疡的经历和未满足的需求。

目的：糖尿病相关性足部溃疡（DFUs）与抑郁、健康相关生活质量受损、心血管疾病风险增加和早期死亡相关。为了了解整体护理途径，本定性研究探讨了2型糖尿病（T2DM）和DFUs成人患者的经历和未满足的需求。方法：对25名患有T2DM和目前或以前患有dfu的成年人以及20名有治疗dfu经验的医疗保健专业人员进行了半结构化访谈。主题指南以理论领域框架为基础。数据分析采用反身性主题分析。结果：创建了与dfu影响相关的4个主题和3个子主题。dfu被认为是一个“警钟”；这种经历往往令人震惊，促使个人思考是什么导致了他们的发展。DFUs以多种方式影响个人行为：对一些人来说，它们是积极变化的催化剂；对另一些人来说，他们培养了不健康和/或与专业人士的建议不一致的行为。DFU对DFU患者的生理和心理健康产生负面影响；DFUs引发的久坐行为导致情绪和心理健康的变化，此外还导致体重增加、行动不便和健康并发症风险增加。关于T2DM和DFUs患者未满足的需求，制定了三个主题，包括通过共同决策制定治疗计划的需求，以及改善获得身体健康和心理支持的机会。结论：这些发现确定了T2DM和DFUs成人护理中几个未满足需求的重要领域，这有助于改善对这一人群的支持。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Diabetic Medicine 医学-内分泌学与代谢

CiteScore

7.20

自引率

5.70%

发文量

229

审稿时长

3-6 weeks

期刊介绍： Diabetic Medicine, the official journal of Diabetes UK, is published monthly simultaneously, in print and online editions. The journal publishes a range of key information on all clinical aspects of diabetes mellitus, ranging from human genetic studies through clinical physiology and trials to diabetes epidemiology. We do not publish original animal or cell culture studies unless they are part of a study of clinical diabetes involving humans. Categories of publication include research articles, reviews, editorials, commentaries, and correspondence. All material is peer-reviewed. We aim to disseminate knowledge about diabetes research with the goal of improving the management of people with diabetes. The journal therefore seeks to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas between clinicians and researchers worldwide. Topics covered are of importance to all healthcare professionals working with people with diabetes, whether in primary care or specialist services. Surplus generated from the sale of Diabetic Medicine is used by Diabetes UK to know diabetes better and fight diabetes more effectively on behalf of all people affected by and at risk of diabetes as well as their families and carers.”