Characteristics of the 10 cases
| Case: participant pseudonym | Age (years) | Diabetes mellitus type | Diabetes mellitus duration (years) | Occupation | Living situation | Support person | Healthcare professional pseudonym | Diary |
| Michelle | <20 | 1 | 5–10 | Student | Alone | Mother | – | |
| Maureen | 45–50 | 1 | >20 | Housewife | With spouse/children | Spouse | Dr Hay | |
| Angus | 70–75 | 1 | 15–20 | Retired professional | With spouse | Spouse | – | √ |
| Tam | 65–70 | 2 | 5–10 | Unemployed pensioner | With partner | Partner | – | √ |
| Brian | 65–70 | 1 | >20 | Retired non-professional | Alone | Partner | Podiatrist Colin | √ |
| Pauline | 55–60 | 1 | <5 | Healthcare professional | Alone | – | Dr Whitby | √ |
| Alison | 45–50 | 1 | >20 | Healthcare professional | With spouse | Friend | Dietitian Sally | √ |
| Bill | 70–75 | 2 | >20 | Retired non-professional | With partner | Partner | – | |
| Peter | 60–65 | 2 | 15–20 | Retired professional | Alone | – | – | |
| Charles | 60–65 | 2 | 5–10 | Retired professional | Alone | – | – | √ |