Perception et vécu émotionnel de la maladie et de ses traitements par des patients ayant un diabète de type 2 et en population générale

This study aimed to survey two representative samples of patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and general population, interviewed by phone, regarding their knowledge, perception and emotional experience of the disease and its treatment. Results indicate that risk factors and prevention are imperfectly known by general population. Illness perception is associated with feelings of loss, constraints and restrictions, especially regarding food. Patients, especially those treated by insulin or insufficiently controlled, often expressed a negative emotional impact. They nevertheless could express positive feelings and exhibit a positive perception of insulin, especially those who were characterized by a satisfactory glycemic control. Emotional experience is significantly influenced by the occurrence of symptomatic hyperglycemic episodes, hypoglycemic episodes, but also by the fear of hypoglycemias. Treatment was nevertheless often seen as a positive indicator of disease control. Indicators of follow-up, such as self-monitored blood glucose or HbA1c, had a significant impact on illness experience and thereby could be harnessed as drivers for a better therapeutic adherence. The perception of social and therapeutic support depends on the quality of glycemic control, with particular needs expressed by patients treated by insulin with unsatisfactory glycemic control.