Exemplars' experience of self-managing type 2 diabetes.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experience of learning self-management among women with type 2 diabetes. The 17 study participants were nominated as exemplars of self-management by diabetes experts. Data were generated from four structured focus groups, clinic records of participants, and investigator field notes. Using the constant comparative method of analysis, data were examined for patterns and themes. Analysis revealed that participants moved through three distinct phases of learning to manage diabetes. Movement through phases was heralded by identifiable transitional events. The three phases--management-as-rules, management-as-work, and management-as-living--are described as a model by which healthcare practitioners and educators can better understand the socioclinical aspects in self-management of type 2 diabetes.