Living Well With Type 1 Diabetes for 40 Years or More

Abstract

Background Although many studies explore the experiences of persons with type 1 diabetes, most examine the experience of children, adolescents, or persons in transition to adulthood. Few studies focus on the person living long term with type 1 diabetes. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the facilitators and barriers for people living well with type 1 diabetes over the long term. Methods An inductive interpretive description approach was used to explore living with type 1 diabetes for a duration of 40 years or more. Qualitative semistructured interviews with a convenience sample (n = 8) were conducted. Results Four dialectic themes were identified: accommodating and battling the disease, convenience and constraint of technology and treatment, self-reliance and reliance on others, and external and personal knowledge. Conclusions Recommendations for the health-care team emphasize person-centered care with acknowledgment of the person as expert and as more than their condition. Further research with this population would strengthen the implications for practice. Specifically, research is needed on diabetes distress, losses experienced due to diabetes, how to meet their educational needs, and how to tap into their expertise for the benefit of those with type 1 following them.

Living with Type 1 Diabetes as Experienced by Adults with Prolonged Elevated HbA1c: A Qualitative Study

“…As noted by the participants, a closely related issue is the perceived lack of knowledge about diabetes in health care outside the endocrinological sphere and in the public. In addition, this deficiency has been noted and discussed in previous qualitative studies involving adults with T1D [ 13 , 25 ]. The need for measures to raise public awareness about diabetes has been addressed [ 32 , 33 ].…”

“…Experiences of living with T1D have mainly been described from the perspective of adolescents [ 14 – 16 ] and young adults [ 17 – 21 ]. Recent qualitative research has generated a more profound understanding of the adult perspective in different areas: diabetes burnout [ 22 ], key factors for reaching treatment goals [ 23 ], and experiences of a long duration of diabetes [ 24 , 25 ] and of diabetes care [ 26 ]. Persson et al [ 27 ] explored attitudes and experiences regarding self-management in adults with suboptimal HbA1c using insulin pumps.…”

Determinants of adherence to insulin and blood glucose monitoring among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes in Qatar: a qualitative study

“…In a previous study, some adults with T1D commented that their family and friends provided incorrect information. 129 Hence, the sociocultural environment should be evaluated closely.…”

Determinants of adherence to insulin and blood glucose monitoring among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes in Qatar: a qualitative study

“…In a previous study, some adult patients with T1D commented that their family and friends provided incorrect information. 129 Hence, the sociocultural environment should be evaluated closely.…”