Experience of Diabetic Patients About Self-Insulin Administration (SIA) Attending Out Patient Department, Tertiary Hospital, South India: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Arockiaseeli Mabel Annarani I., Dr. Vinitha Ravindran

Abstract: Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. It is a public health problem which affects the individual, family and society at large. One of the most effective management strategies to have glycemic control is Insulin therapy. Insulin is the oldest valuable antidiabetic medication which helps to reduce hyperglycemia when used in appropriate doses. Patients with Type 1 & 2 DM are mostly treated with multiple -dose insulin therapy. It is recommended that all patients with Diabetes aim for glucose control with HgbA1c less than 7% in order to reduce the risk for developing complications (ADA, 2016a) (4). Despite this, one-third of patients fail to take their regular insulin and 20 % of adults deliberately miss their insulin doses (5). Aim: To explore the experiences of diabetic patients about self-insulin administration. Methods: A qualitative descriptive research design was used. The researcher used a phenomenological approach to explore the experiences of persons with DM who were taking Insulin by themselves. Participants willing to share their experiences were selected using purposive sampling technique included in the study. A total of 8 males and 12 females participated in the interview. The in-depth individual interview was conducted using semi-structured questions followed by a few trigger questions to help the participants share their experiences. The interviews were conducted in the Endocrinology outpatient department. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were read and reread, and coding units were developed. Results: A total of 8 males and 12 females participated in the study, with their ages ranging from 38 to 71 years but majority from 60-71 years (Nos.=11). Majority (Nos. =13) of them were taking Insulin for1-5 years of duration, 13 of them used syringe for taking Insulin and 6 were using pen device and 1 participant used both syringe and pen device. The study findings, which identified six emerging themes from the data, are of significant importance. These themes, including emotional response to insulin use, acquisition of knowledge and skills, barriers to self-administration, facilitators and support systems, adaptation and self-efficacy and impact on daily life. Conclusion: This study highlights that self-insulin administration is a multifaceted experience shaped by emotional, educational, social, and practical factors. Patients initially encounter fear, anxiety, and uncertainty, particularly related to needle use and self-injection techniques. However, with proper guidance and repeated practice, many develop confidence and gradually adapt to the routine.

Keywords: qualitative descriptive study, diabetic patients, self-insulin administration

How to Cite?: Arockiaseeli Mabel Annarani I., Dr. Vinitha Ravindran, "Experience of Diabetic Patients About Self-Insulin Administration (SIA) Attending Out Patient Department, Tertiary Hospital, South India: A Qualitative Descriptive Study", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 246-251, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26504223144, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26504223144

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