Health, hope and worry: A qualitative study of people with diabetes' experiences with anti‐ VEGF treatment
Authors' conclusion
Anti-VEGF treatment for DME is experienced not only as a clinical intervention but as an emotionally and physically complex journey. Participants' navigate fluctuating levels of hope and worry, shaped by their bodily experiences, emotional responses and expectations of outcomes. These findings highlight the need for empathetic communication, consistent care and individualized support to promote adherence and mitigate emotional distress. The insights from this study are especially relevant for multidisciplinary diabetes care teams.
Study context
- Population
- People with diabetes and diabetic macular edema (DME) initiating intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy
- Outcome
- Experiences of anti-VEGF treatment
- Follow-up
- 4 and 12 months after initiating therapy
Methodological detailslongitudinal interviews
- Longitudinal interviews
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Overarching theme 'health, hope, and worry' captured participants' ambivalent experiences
- Two main categories: 'hope and anxiety during injection treatment' and 'uncertainty and variation in visual outcomes'
- Spectrum of physical discomfort and emotional reactions, influenced by expectations, bodily sensitivity and clinical context
- Trust in healthcare providers, consistent care and adequate information crucial for emotional resilience
- Perceived effectiveness varied: some had significant visual improvement and regained independence; others little or no change, with frustration and anxiety about future vision
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Health, hope and worry: A qualitative study of people with diabetes' experiences with anti‐ VEGF treatment. Diabet Med. Published 20 April 2026. doi:10.
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