Can I do&? Life with type II diabetes: A phenomenological study

Diabetes is a chronic disease affects many aspects of daily life. We need a bio-psychosocial approach topatients and their problems in diabetes management. Since patient''s beliefs about health and disease will guide selfmanagementmeasures, a holistic understanding toward subject is necessary. The aim of this study was to identify anddescribe the lived experiences of patients with diabetes in a qualitative study. A descriptive phenomenological framework used to guide the project of inquiry. Eleven volunteered patients(6 men, 5 women) were recruited by purposed sampling from ";Glands and Metabolism Research Center"; and ";Al-ZahraHospital"; of Isfahan in 2006. In-depth unstructured one to one interviews conducted and interview data were transcribedand analyzed for themes using collizi method. Five themes were identified including; ";Why I get";, ";Disease requirements";, ";Can I do";, ";Limitations";, ";Silentmotion towards death";. 3 first items belongs to participants'' perception about diseases etiology, treatment, and theirfeeling about their situation, respectively. ";Silent movement towards death"; and ";limitation"; pointed to the patients''belief about limitation in nutrition and having a healthy child and nature of disease. Based on findings, patients'' beliefs about their disease and health situation can affect health behaviors andself-management, and act as barriers and facilitators in patient behaviors. Findings suggest considering this factor in selfmanagementpreparing program.