Exploring physical and psychological wellbeing among adults with Type 2 diabetes in New Zealand: identifying a need to improve the experiences of Pacific peoples.

Objective: This study explores levels of physical and psychological wellbeing among adults with Type 2 diabetes, and aims to identify the clinical, demographic, and psychological factors that are associated with differences in wellbeing.

Methods: Research participants (N=615) were randomly selected from a database of primary care records for people with diabetes (N=4857) in New Zealand. Self-report data were collected through a mailed questionnaire and clinical data from electronic records were obtained with participants' permission.

Results: Mean HbA1c was 7.5% (SD=1.5) although this varied significantly across ethnic groups (p=.001) with metabolic control highest among New Zealand Europeans and lowest among Pacific peoples. Results showed that Pacific groups also experienced the highest levels of distress about diabetes, and concern about prescribed medication.

Conclusions: Adults with Type 2 diabetes who are young, overweight, have concerns about prescribed medications, and those of Pacific ethnicity, are most likely to experience adverse health outcomes including poor metabolic control and diabetes-related distress. Among Pacific peoples in particular there is a need to address concerns about medication and emotional distress about diabetes, while maintaining a focus on improving metabolic control.