The experience of being sleepy while managing type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Background: Although it is known that excessive daytime sleepiness negatively affects mood and motivation, it is unknown how sleepiness affects diabetic management. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to understand the experience of sleepiness in managing type 2 diabetes. Study Design: This grounded theory study employed three focus groups led by a facilitator knowledgeable of qualitative research. Sessions were tape recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Participants were adults with type 2 diabetes older than 21 years with subjective sleepiness. Transcripts of the sessions were reviewed for themes. Results: Seventeen persons participated (35% men, 65% Whites, aged 55.5 ± 7.8 years). Major themes extracted from the data were (a) sleepiness was a daily burden, (b) only the minimum was done, (c) lack of structure exacerbating the difficulty, and (d) persons felt negative personal emotions. Conclusions: Health care providers need to appreciate and understand that sleepiness negatively affects the daily lives of persons with diabetes, making diabetic management more difficult. © 2006 American Psychiatric Nurses Association.