Perceptions of Diabet in Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: A Mixed-Methods Comparative Insight

Aim: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes exhibit significant differences in terms of treatment methods, and management processes. This mixed-method study explored and compared the illness perceptions of individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Material and Methods: The study employed a simultaneous mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Fifteen participants with type 1 diabetes and fifteen with type 2 diabetes were included in the sample. Data were collected from April to August 2023 using sociodemographic surveys, the Acceptance of Illness Scale, and semi-structured interviews. The quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0, while the qualitative data were analyzed using the Nvivo 12. Results: Quantitative findings revealed a significant association between illness acceptance and diabetes management, with 76.7% of participants demonstrating moderate to high levels of diabetes acceptance. The mean diabetes acceptance score for the participants was 22.50 ± 5.63. Qualitative analysis revealed seven themes regarding diabetes perceptions, including the cause of diabetes, management priorities, facilitators, challenges, pre- and post-diabetes experiences, and emotional aspects. Participants with type 1 diabetes often linked their condition to stress and uncertain, whereas type 2 diabetes participants more frequently cited lifestyle habits and fate as contributing factors. Furthermore, both groups emphasized the importance of nutrition, medication adherence, and physical activity in managing diabetes, with type 1 diabetes participants additionally focusing on self-awareness and balance. Conclusion: The findings highlight differences in diabetes perceptions between individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, indicating the need for tailored approaches to diabetes management and education.