The Impact of Type 2 Diabetes on Identity

A wealth of research indicates the disruption to identity that can occur as a result of being diagnosed with a chronic illness. This study explored the impact of a Type-2 Diabetes (T2D) diagnosis on identity utilising a social theory perspective. A qualitative secondary-analysis design was adopted, in which semi-structured interviews with 21 adults who varied by the amount of time they had lived with T2D were analysed. A thematic analysis identified two superordinate themes: “Initial impact of diagnosis”, and “Ongoing negotiation of T2D in relation to identity”, the latter of which contained the subthemes “Pre-existing social identities” and “Stigma”. The themes are discussed in terms of theories of social identity, with attention paid to the processes by which individuals either incorporate T2D into their pre-existing social identities or resist this. To manage the threat that T2D can pose to identity, it is recommended more is done to increase support for individuals with T2D, promote the development of health-related social identities by advertisement and encouragement of group-based activities, and reduce stigma. This could help to improve wellbeing in individuals with T2D, which might have positive implications for identity adjustment and development. In turn, this could support optimal management of T2D in a higher number of individuals