Valerie Wilson discusses a pilot study she conducted that investigated the effect of financial worries on patients with insulin-dependent diabetes

Aim This study explores the expectation that diabetes self-management is adversely affected by individuals’ economic problems.

Method A convenience sample of ten individuals, aged between 41 and 64 with long-duration insulin-dependent diabetes, participated in an email pilot survey.

Findings Thematic data analysis identified three main themes: increased stress as a result of financial changes causes a rise in blood-glucose levels; patients find it difficult to attend healthcare appointments because of increased travel costs, less income and longer working hours; and patients ensure their diabetes is well-managed despite their increased stress and changes in lifestyle.

Conclusion There was no adverse change in diabetes self-management, despite the erratic blood-glucose levels attributed to stress and economic change. The findings indicate that good diabetes control was a priority for patients.