"I am the Last Priority": Factors Influencing Diabetes Management Among South Asian Caregivers in Peel Region Ontario.

BACKGROUND: This manuscript explores sociocultural and systemic factors influencing diabetes management among South Asian (SA) caregivers in Peel Region, Ontario.

METHODS: Twenty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with SA caregivers using a qualitative descriptive design. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and intersectionality analysis.

RESULTS: Identified themes were: 1) Prioritizing family caregiving over diabetes self-management; 2) Labour market impacts on diabetes self-management; and 3) Challenges navigating Canadian health and social service systems.

DISCUSSION: SA caregivers described social, economic, and systemic challenges impacting T2D management. Systemic factors influencing diabetes management included discrimination and inequities in labour policies and lack of social and health resources funding. Recommendations by caregivers included whole family, community-based, culturally tailored approaches to diabetes prevention and management strategies CONCLUSION: Providing support with system navigation, encouraging family-based approaches and addressing the social determinants of health could be beneficial for supporting SA families with diabetes management and prevention.