Self-Management Experiences of Individuals with Prediabetes: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis

This study aimed to comprehensively review the self-management experiences of individuals with prediabetes through meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. This study was applied the Meta-ethnography of Noblit and Hare as the research method. Three databases were used to search the literature and search keywords included ‘prediabetes’, ‘self management’, ‘experiences’, ‘qualitative research’. 26 references were identified and relating to six qualitative studies were included in the review. The themes were synthesized by four categories: Being on the borderline between health and illness; Cultural adjustment for health management; Creation of a supportive environment; Increased confidence in managing one's health. Through this study, it is possible to improve the understanding of self-management experiences of individuals with prediabetes. The results of this study provide grounds for developing effective self-management programs for individuals with prediabetes.