“The More I Do, the Better I’ll Be”: The Treatment Preferences of Type 2 Diabetes Among African American Men

To gain better insight to the preferred methods of managing and treating type 2 diabetes among African American men (AA men). Participants (n = 19) were AA men aged 35 to 69 years, who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Participants were recruited via community outreach efforts, including barbershops and churches located in predominantly African American communities in Southeast United States. On consent, individual interviews were conducted, audio recorded, and subsequently transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using a phenomenological approach, and focused on identifying common themes among the descriptions of AA men’s experiences specific to type 2 diabetes. Participants’ statements indicated three main commonalities regarding treatment preferences which were medication, dietary changes, and increase in exercise. Some participants from the study stated that they preferred taking oral medication primarily out of convenience, lack of pain, and how well the medicine makes them feel. Others stated educating themselves and having a consistent relationship with the diabetes physician has assisted them the most. Other participants shared preferences of being dedicated to proper diet and exercise without any medication (pill or injection), as well as maintaining the mental motivation needed to sustain management. Some participants preferred to not take an oral pill, while some did not mind taking pills at all. For some of the participants, it appears that it is easier for them to manage their diabetes by prescription medication than by lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. Future studies are needed to investigate how social support system also assists these men in managing their diabetes