BEYOND SELF-CARE BEHAVIORS IN DIABETES: LEARNING FROM ADOLESCENTS

ABSTRACT

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic illness which implies a strict care management. Dealing with diabetes is perhaps most challenging during adolescence. Despite recent advances in gaining control over diabetes, efforts to have a good metabolic control do not always count for predictable results. Even though the literature provides a broad image on the everyday experience of adolescents with diabetes, there is still a need to understand the dynamic process of adaptation to diabetes. Consequently, the present study aims to explore the experience of living with type 1diabetes in order to understand how adolescents integrate the behavioral and psychological demands of diabetes. All themes identified serve an overarching theme, that of learning through experience in order to gain a sense of control over diabetes. The findings have implications for promoting an integrated package of interventions addressing psychological care for adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

KEYWORDS: adolescents, type 1 diabetes, thematic analysis, self-care management

PAGES:233-249