Abstract
The present study was conducted to explore the experiences of type II diabetes in patients and their caregivers
in Pakistan. Sample consisted of 8 participants, 4 were diabetic patients and 4 were their caregivers. Age range
of diabetic patients and caregivers was 40-70 years and 17-50 years respectively. Semi-structured interviews
were conducted and data was analyzed by Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA). Four common
themes emerged from the patients and caregivers were perceived severity of disease, diabetes related distress,
positive emotional reaction, and living with a changed life. Furthermore, the themes diabetes overpowering
physical health, family, friends, and relatives reaction, diabetic views about non-diabetic and conquering
diabetes emerged in diabetic patients and hassles of living with a diabetic patient, coping with care giving
responsibilities, caregivers views about non-caregivers and conquering diabetes and their own distress emerged
in caregivers. Findings and implications are discussed in the light of cultural differences.
