Standing on their own feet: Experiences of young people living with Type 1 diabetes when entering adulthood — A qualitative study

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes can complicate the lives of young people. The aim was to describe the experiences of young people living with Type 1 diabetes when entering adulthood. Nine young people were interviewed. The general principles of interpretative descriptions were used in the analysis. Results showed that young people with Type 1 diabetes lived a life like other young people, but they often had to face a lack of knowledge and understanding. Although they knew how to live, it was not easy to be in control. Even if they took responsibility for their illness, support was critically important. They did not think so much about how their illness might impact their future life. Overall, young people described their life situation positively and dealt with their diabetes naturally. To better support and facilitate the transition to adulthood, health care professionals who are engaged with young people living with Type 1 diabetes need to have better insight into how they experience their life.