The lived experience of individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during childhood

Abstract

The aim of this study was to gain insight on the lived experience of individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during childhood. This is an under-researched area in the local context. In T1D, frustration and negative emotions may be experienced (Willemese et al., 2018). Participants included Maltese individuals between the ages of 18-21 with a T1D diagnosis, with onset in childhood. Semi-structured interviews were conducted which were analysed through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three superordinate themes emerged from the analysis: ‘Making sense of diabetes’, ‘An ongoing process of adjustment’, and ‘Resilience’. Findings highlight the experience of growing up with T1D from diagnosis to the process of coming to terms with the condition and gradual selfmanagement. Such a process suggests that individuals find the capacity to be resilient in different ways. This study suggests appropriate information should be conveyed to children when communicating a T1D diagnosis. Parents should also be supported to convey such information. Recommendations for future research and practice are mentioned.