Living with Type 1 diabetes: A by-person qualitative exploration

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition which places enormous demands on the individual diabetic. A strict care routine is necessitated, yet even the most controlled and disciplined diabetic is likely to experience associated health problems and automatically faces a reduced life expectancy. The current study explores the psychological repercussions of this situation via a small scale qualitative study which focuses on the very different viewpoints and experiences of four adults living with Type 1 diabetes. A new and original form of by-person (or by-case) qualitative analysis is employed in order to capture, in a rich and holistic fashion, each participant's current relationship with their condition, their experience of living and dealing with diabetes and the ways in which diabetes is integrated within their lives and identities. The findings have implications for, and are discussed in relation to, issues of control, regimen adherence, and what it means to be a 'good' or 'successful' diabetic. The conclusion is drawn that the satisfaction of personal goals and a focus on psychological as well as physical health may be very important if positive quality of life outcomes are to be attained in the context of Type 1 diabetes.

‘It’s not a disease, it’s a nuisance’:Controlling diabetes and achieving goals in the context of men with Type 1 diabetes

“…The centrality of personally held goals to the experience of life with diabetes has previously been highlighted by Watts, O'Hara, and Trigg (2010). Their by-case analysis illustrates the potential for psychological conflict, as individuals are forced to contemplate the trade-off between personally held goals and diabetes-related goals.…”

“…We asked how these changes affected their relationship with diabetes. Our use of the term 'relationship' follows Watts, O'Hara and Trigg's (2010) consideration of the 'interaction between person and illness' (p. 493). Each interview concluded with discussion of how satisfied one is with his/her current relationship with diabetes and how he/she views his/her future in light of this relationship.…”

“…This journey presents tensions between the desire to live independently and the necessity of following the diabetes care regimen (e.g. Ingadottir & Halldorsdottir, 2008;Schur, Gamsu, & Barley, 1999;Watts, O'Hara & Trigg, 2010) and reveals the importance attached to feeling 'normal' and having stability in one's life (Huss & Enskär, 2007;Rasmussen, O'Connell, Dunning & Cox, 2007).…”

Deep Brain Stimulation for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Current and Future Uses

“…Another meta-analysis found significant Banting, Randle-Phillips positive relationships between T1DM and anxiety symptoms and disorders [14]. A potential cause of mental health difficulties in T1DM is the demanding illness management regime, which can lead to people feeling overwhelmed and hopeless [15,16]. Recent research summarised T1DM as creating a psychological struggle between the successful demands of T1DM management compared to the drive to feel satisfaction of one's own personal goals and ambitions [16].…”

“…A potential cause of mental health difficulties in T1DM is the demanding illness management regime, which can lead to people feeling overwhelmed and hopeless [15,16]. Recent research summarised T1DM as creating a psychological struggle between the successful demands of T1DM management compared to the drive to feel satisfaction of one's own personal goals and ambitions [16]. Qualitative research exploring the impact of T1DM in women has found themes of hatred towards their bodies, feeling disadvantaged in not having the same opportunities as those without DM, struggling to feel in control, being vulnerable to the impact of DM, not feeling understood by others, worrying about the impact of DM on their futures and worrying about how others see them [17].…”