| 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, and to better understand the motivational factors and conditions that contributed to their success. A qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis method was employed to understand the lived experience and meaning of 4 males (and in the collaborative portion of the study, 4 females) who successfully managed their type 2 diabetes. The collaborative research design consisted of a shared research question, literature review, and method, but unique data set, analysis, and discussion. Each participant was interviewed three times. The data analysis included an interrater reliability check.;The outcomes of the study revealed 7 gender-specific superordinate themes and conceptual models as well as 10 combined cross-case superordinate themes. The male specific outcomes included the identification of 7 themes: (a) trigger events, (b) self-determined man, (c) self-care implementation, (d) the evolved self, (e) motivation matters, (f) the diabetes effect, and (g) support that matters which culminated in a conceptual model titled: "A self-care journey to diabetic well-being." The combined cross-analysis of males and females resulted in the identification of the following 10 themes: (a) denial of implications of poor self-care, (b) emotional trigger events, (c) the medical system misses the mark, (d) lifestyle redesign, (e) self-determined mindset, (f) motivation, (g) shift in identity, (h) support that matters, (i) the diabetes paradox, and (j) becoming a diabetes advocate.;Based on the results of this study, a framework of diabetes care is suggested that could serve to support individuals with diabetes through long-term lifestyle change and the sustainment of positive health outcomes. The implications of this research provide directional input into diabetes care programming and are intended to enhance long-term diabetes self-care practices and sustained health outcomes. |
