PENGALAMAN PASIEN DIABETES MELITUS DALAM BERADAPTASI DENGAN PENYAKIT KRONIS YANG DIALAMINYA (THE EXPERIENCE OF PEOPLE WITH DIABETES MELITUS IN ADAPTING WITH CHRONIC DISEASE)

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic syndrome that causes high levels and uncontrolled of blood glucose. Chronic illness should have longterm management to prevent disease complications, requiring adjusment. Methods: This research is Qualitative study using phenomenological study approach in-depth interview was used as data collection. Five participants were determined by purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted using recording devices, semi-structured interview guides, and field notes. Colaizzi's Qualitative content analysis was used for study analysis. Result showed 4 themes were found: 1) finding of disease complications establishing diagnosis of DM, 2) adherence to treatment reducing the symptoms of complications, 3) adjustment of non-pharmacotherapy management of DM, 4) enabling factors of chronic illness conditions. Conclusion: DM management was done by taking routine hypoglycemic therapy and diet to maintain healthy condition, while other treatment and management were done on life experience and habits. Recommendation: interventions for improving adaptation skills in chronic disease management especially DM were needed.