| The purpose of this research study was to investigate the lived experience of individuals with type 2 diabetes who have sustained successful lifestyle change and achieved long-term positive health outcomes, as well as to understand the motivational factors and conditions that contributed to their success. A qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed to understand the lived experience and meaning of 4 females---and in the collaborative portion of the study, 4 males---who have successfully managed type 2 diabetes. The collaborative research design consisted of a shared research question, literature review, and method, but unique data sets, analysis, and discussion. Each participant was interviewed 3 times. The data analysis included an interrater reliability check.;The outcome of the study revealed 10 female-specific superordinate themes and a conceptual model, as well as 10 combined male-female superordinate themes. The female specific themes were: (a) denial, shock, and fear; (b) motivated by fear but not paralyzed by it; (c) self-determined mindset; (d) lifestyle redesign; (e) being a self-champion: making self the ;The combined meta cross-analysis of male and female themes resulted in the identification of 10 overarching male-female superordinate themes: (a) denial of implications of poor self-care, (b) emotional trigger events, (c) medical system misses the mark, (d) lifestyle redesign, (e) self-determined mindset, (f) identified and integrated regulation, (g) shift in identity, (h) support that matters, (i) diabetes paradox, and (j) becoming a diabetes advocate. Future implications provide directional input into diabetes care programming and are intended to enhance long-term diabetes self-care practices and sustained health outcomes. |
