Metaphors as artefacts for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus according to their professional cultures

Objective: To investigate why and what mental images patients who suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus use to describe their experiences of the disease based on their professional culture. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted at the Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey, in 2015, and comprised diabetics. Purposive sampling method was used. Data was gathered through the use of semi-structured interviews, incorporating qualitative data. Results: There were 13 participants in the study. The metaphors revealed by participants on what type 2 diabetes mellitus meant to them, according to their professional culture, included flower, grass, diet, cancer, virus, horse race, cat, friend or sibling, secret agent, broken machine, dishwasher calcined, watch, cigarette, burnt house, accident, and dangerous path. Conclusion: The outcome of this research addressed important implication for diabetics on how to self-manage their disease.