Self-awareness in diabetes: Using body cues, circumstances, and strategies

PURPOSE This research was the first phase of a study designed to develop and pilot test an educational program to increase self-awareness of salient bony cues in adults witch Type 1 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to identify (1) the cues, sensations, and circumstances that people with diabetes aid their families associate with hypoglycemia euglycemia, and hyperglycemia; and (2) the types of strategies that people with diabetes use to tune in to body cues and sensations. METHODS A series of four fonts group sessions were held at monthly intervals with four female participants and four family members. These sessions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. RESULTS Participants described the existence of unique as well as usual body cues for hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia and the circumstances associated with these cues. Subjective and objective strategies were identified for tuning into these body cues and sensations. CONCLUSIONS People with diabetes should be encouraged to identify their own body cues that signify different levels of glycemia because these personal cues may he different than classical textbook symptoms. Evert people with hypoglycemia unawareness may recognize unique cues that replace the autonomic ones they have lost.