Health & social care in the community
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Health Soc Care Community · Nov 2018
'I'm on the train and I can't stop it': Western Canadians' reactions to prediabetes and the role of self-compassion.
Prediabetes, a condition characterised by impaired glucose regulation, is on the rise worldwide. This condition puts people at risk for cardiovascular disease, and 50% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes (T2D). People with prediabetes can reduce their risk of developing T2D through lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity and healthy eating. ⋯ Participants' reactions to learning that they had prediabetes were characterised by (a) distress and concern, (b) downplay of T2D risks, (c) guilt and shame, and participants were receptive to (d) self-compassion as a beneficial approach to take in relation to their prediabetes. Findings suggest that people experience negative reactions to their prediabetes diagnosis yet are receptive to self-compassion, which could mitigate these reactions. These findings can inform lifestyle behaviour change programmes for individuals living with prediabetes by providing a better understanding of their perspectives of disease diagnosis.