Essential needs for people with type 2 diabetes integrating physical activity into daily life post-rehabilitation: a focus group study

Essential Needs for People with Type 2 Diabetes Integrating Physical Activity into Daily Life Post-Rehabilitation: A Focus Group Study Purpose: To inform rehabilitation initiatives for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), this study examined the perceived needs for integrating physical activity into daily life following municipal rehabilitation. METHODS: Three focus group interviews involving 15 people with T2D were conducted to allow participants to share their lived experiences. Data were analysed following Braun and Clarke's model for thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four themes were identified (1): the intertwining of T2D with other diseases and the ongoing struggle to act (2), challenges in everyday life (3), the experience of being left alone to manage T2D, and (4) the need for support in coping with mental and daily challenges. Participants described complex physical, psychological, and social barriers to maintaining physical activity after rehabilitation, alongside a strong need for ongoing, individually tailored support, particularly psychosocial support. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight that integrating physical activity into daily life after rehabilitation is a complex process, shaped by interconnected physical, psychological, and social factors. Rehabilitation initiatives should therefore incorporate long-term, person-centred, and psychosocially informed support to better address individuals' everyday challenges.