Students' experiences of managing type 1 diabetes.

Abstract

Aim: To explore the experiences of young people managing their type 1 diabetes at college or university.

Method: A convenience sample of 23 students, aged 17-19 years, with type 1 diabetes participated in semi-structured telephone interviews.

Findings: Thematic data analysis identified four main themes: balancing diabetes and further education; adverse diabetes management strategies at college or university; reduced quality of life with regard to participation in social events; and problematic transition from paediatric to adult diabetes clinics.

Conclusion: Young people often face difficulties in their diabetes self-management at college or university because of psychosocial issues, and may experience barriers when changing from paediatric to adult diabetes clinics.