Academic Journal
Diabetes in solitude: A mixed-methods exploration of glycemic control, emotional well-being, and practical challenges of self-management in single-living individuals with type 2 diabetes.
| Title: | Diabetes in solitude: A mixed-methods exploration of glycemic control, emotional well-being, and practical challenges of self-management in single-living individuals with type 2 diabetes. |
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| Authors: | Pratama SA; Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia., Al Baqi S; State Islamic University of Kiai Ageng Muhammad Besari Ponorogo, Indonesia., Bakhsh A; Mount Sinai Hospital. Toronto, ON, Canada.; University of Toronto, ON, Canada.; Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia., Kurniawan R; Eka Hospital Bumi Serpong Damai, Tangerang, Indonesia., Ekpor E; Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia., Pipatpiboon N; Chiang Mai University, Suthep, Thailand., Teoh SH; Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia., Chiu HY; Taipei Medical University, Taiwan.; Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taiwan., Romadlon DS; Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. |
| Source: | Journal of health psychology [J Health Psychol] 2026 Sep; Vol. 31 (10), pp. 4179-4190. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Jan 27. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Sage Publications Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 9703616 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1461-7277 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 13591053 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Health Psychol Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Original Publication: London ; Thousand Oaks, CA : Sage Publications, 1996- |
| MeSH Terms: | Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*/psychology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*/therapy , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*/blood , Glycemic Control*/psychology , Self-Management*/psychology , Self Care*/psychology, Glycated Hemoglobin/analysis ; Fatigue/psychology ; Anxiety/psychology ; Blood Glucose/analysis ; Humans ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Psychological Well-Being ; Indonesia ; Adult ; Aged |
| Abstract: | Living alone with type 2 diabetes poses unique challenges that may compromise self-management. This mixed-method study examined glycemic outcomes, emotional well-being, and self-care difficulties among 72 adults with type 2 diabetes in a primary care setting in Indonesia. Quantitative measures included glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose, and self-reported anxiety, loneliness, fatigue, and sleep quality, while structured surveys and open-ended questions assessed self-care challenges. Results showed high rates of loneliness (69.4%), anxiety (69.4%), fatigue (66.7%), and poor sleep quality (63.9%), each significantly associated with suboptimal glycemic control (p < 0.05). Practical barriers included difficulties with meal planning, low motivation for physical activity, inconsistent medication adherence, and irregular glucose monitoring. Qualitative responses emphasized emotional distress, lack of support, and feelings of isolation as major obstacles. Findings highlight the need for multidisciplinary, socially oriented interventions to address both psychosocial and practical barriers in this vulnerable population. |
| Competing Interests: | Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: emotional well-being; glycemic control; practical challenges; self-management; single-living; type 2 diabetes |
| Substance Nomenclature: | 0 (Glycated Hemoglobin) 0 (Blood Glucose) |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260127 Date Completed: 20260811 Latest Revision: 20260811 |
| Update Code: | 20260812 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13591053261415745 |
| PMID: | 41589394 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1461-7277 |
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| DOI: | 10.1177/13591053261415745 |