ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with the concept of ‘complexity mapping.’ It focuses on exploring the use of the ‘complexity map’ for moving readers’ minds away from their traditional orderly ‘map.’ Using complexity mapping one can begin to explore the amazingly orderly, complex and disorderly interrelationships between the condition, the patient, their family and friends and healthcare professionals, and how these can be used to gain greater understanding of the range and ‘balancing process’ of the diabetes experience. Biological complexity is easy because it is so obvious. Clearly, conscious complexity captures the social and political nature of the health system. Moreover, as the complexity perspective shows, experts with extensive knowledge are generally good at understanding and directing the orderly parts of health and the health system. The body is in a continual state of biological complexity, with different systems and organs interacting with each other and responding to new external stimuli such as variations in temperature following seasonal changes.
