Being the supporter: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the role of caregivers in the self-management of type 2 diabetes.

Objective: Social support is key in improving the care and self-management of people living with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). Despite the benefits of social support, limited research has explored the experiences of family members acting as caregivers for those living with T2DM. Design: This qualitative study explored the pressures, attitudes, and views of immediate family caregivers supporting a relative's self-management of T2DM. Methods: Five online semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: This analysis presents two superordinate themes: Values within caregivers and Support for the Supporters. Participants shared stories of coping and resilience in adopting a duty of care to support their family members. However, they also highlighted a lack of support from healthcare professionals, increasing feelings of personal responsibility and loneliness when caring for their family, including further pressures during the UK COVID-19 lockdown periods. Although caregivers do not have T2DM themselves, the burdens of supporting can have detrimental effects on the psychological health of these individuals. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals should consider the needs of caregivers, specifically improving psychological health and increasing understanding of T2DM, which may also improve health-related outcomes for the person living with T2DM.