OBJECTIVE

Suboptimal social determinants of health impede type 2 diabetes self-management. They are usually considered at population and community levels, not individually. The study objective was to draw on perspectives of people who have type 2 diabetes to identify and explore the impact of social determinants on self-management and ways to incorporate them into individual care.

METHODS

Purposively selected participants chose to partake in focus groups or interviews. Data were analysed and themes identified through deductive and inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Social issues hinder type 2 diabetes self-management. Additionally, an individual's feelings and poor mental health, competing priorities and understanding about diabetes are important considerations. Support was provided via health professionals, community supports, financial support, personal support and informal self-management support.

CONCLUSIONS

Social determinants of health could be formally incorporated into individual care for people with type 2 diabetes if a socio-ecological view of health is taken as it considers the broader social and environmental circumstances in peoples lives.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

Care for people with type 2 diabetes could be transformed if social determinants of health are formally assessed and responded to at an individual level. A socio-ecological view of health in individual care and clinical settings would enable social determinants of health to be formally incorporated into type 2 diabetes care.