Abstract

Objective: To explore lived experiences of type 2 diabetes patients in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia.
Methodology: This descriptive phenomenology study recruited seven participants at Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital through purposive sampling. Data were collected from April to June 2021 by in-depth interviews using a voice recorder and analyzed according to Colaizzi method.
Results: There were four main themes and nine theme clusters, including having complications (in the eyes, heart, as well as brain and nerves), emotional responses (psychological stress, and unstable emotions), changes in dietary patterns (setting a healthy diet, and feeling sad about changing diet pattern), and changes in activity patterns (start exercising, and reduce energy expenditure).
Conclusion: Participants experienced difficulties in adapting to a new lifestyle that targeted type 2 diabetes treatment. Therefore, healthcare providers should provide support for effective lifestyle changes.

Key words: Type 2 diabetes, lived experiences, phenomenology