Diabetes and sustainable employability: A qualitative study

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most challenging problems for health, impacting many aspects of individual s lives, including employment. Sustainable employability refers to one s attributes and skills to be able to perform a chosen occupation, benefitting oneself and society in the long term. It is not directly affected by diabetes, yet assessment is different for every case and highly dependent on factors such as the presence of diabetes-related complications and job type. This qualitative study sought to explore patient ́s lived experiences regarding diabetes mellitus and sustainable employability, using a phenomenological approach. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), suited to explore the lived experience of diabetics on their employment. Two participants were selected through purposive sampling and in-depth interviews where performed, recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. A multitude of thick data and interpretations was obtained. In line with literature discussed, self-management of the patient came forward as the central aspect to remain employable sustainably. Moreover, the study demonstrated patients ́ awareness and responsibility of being the central player in attaining best possible outcomes for private and employed life. Motives of safety and security played strong roles for participants at the workplace, and occasionally caused intentional behaviour that negatively impacted diabetes management. Furthermore, the invisibility of diabetes presented a major recurrent challenge, and an understanding and supportive environment were believed to be the sole aspects to potentially support sustainable employability.