Exploring the Experiences of Urban First Nations People Living with or Caring for Someone with Type 2 Diabetes

ObjectiveThere is limited research regarding the experiences of urban First Nations people affected by or living with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to understand the lived experience of First Nations adults living with or caring for someone with type 2 diabetes in an urban setting.MethodsUsing a qualitative descriptive design, 4 sharing circles were completed to elicit understandings related to the lived experiences of urban First Nations people affected by type 2 diabetes in Hamilton, Ontario.ResultsFour sharing circles were attended by individuals with type 2 diabetes (79.2%) and caregivers (20.8%). Asking about the experiences of First Nations people affected by type 2 diabetes elicited 3 themes: 1) juggling two worlds, 2) lack of accessibility, and 3) dealing with diabetes. Juggling two worlds explained how participants felt when trying to keep their traditional/cultural ways within westernized medicine, as well as balancing diabetes expectations vs. their reality. Lack of accessibility speaks to the challenges of accessing timely and ongoing culturally sensitive diabetes care and education. Finally, dealing with diabetes relates to the emotional and cultural solutions of managing diabetes, from an individual and community perspective.ConclusionsThe findings of this study contribute to the advancement of knowledge regarding urban First Nations people living with or caring for someone with type 2 diabetes. Through the stories that participants constructed, patient-centred diabetes care will be able to better respond to the challenges identified by the community, resulting in the provision of more culturally sensitive care.