Exploring diabetes management amongst immigrant Sikhs in the Greater Toronto Area: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES: This study describes the ethnocultural influences associated with managing diabetes (Type 2) in a small sample of older Sikh immigrants in Toronto, Canada. The South Asian community, which includes Sikhs, is the fastest growing immigrant population, the second largest visible minority in Canada, and is five times more likely to have diabetes than their Canadian counterparts. The relationship between culture, immigration, and management of diabetes has been recognized, but research of how these areas intersect in the Sikh community is sparse. DESIGN: Data were collected using qualitative semi-structured interviews, and participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were analysed using constant comparative methods. RESULTS: The complexities of diabetes management are organized in this study as the (1) external (2) internal and (3) actualized experiences participants faced navigating cultural dynamics, understanding their diagnosis, and interacting with health resources. CONCLUSION: An individual's diabetes diagnosis and treatment plan interacts with layers beyond the health system which must be understood in order to provide health care that is truly an empowering resource.