Adolescents’ view and experiences of living with type 1 diabetes
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Adolescents’ view and experiences of living with type 1 diabetes

Michelle Ellis Senior lecturer, child health, City University London, School of Health Sciences, London
Caroline Jayarajah Staff nurse, paediatrics, Royal London Hospital

This literature review explores the perceptions and experiences of adolescents living with type 1 diabetes. The number of adolescents living with this condition is growing in Western societies. It is important to understand their views and experiences to ensure they receive optimum support. A systematic database search identified studies conducted between 2004 and 2014 undertaken in five countries. Most participants were aged 13-17 years, although some studies included participants aged 11-18 years. Key findings identified were: striving for autonomy; parental conflict; yearning for social acceptance; and concerns about diabetes education. Thematic analysis identified psychosocial, management, and knowledge of type 1 diabetes as the main themes. The review also identified that the psychosocial effects of living with type 1 diabetes were significant. Adolescents would benefit from more in-depth research on this subject and more innovative ways to help them cope better with their condition.

Nursing Children and Young People. 28, 6, 28-34. doi: 10.7748/ncyp.2016.e727

Correspondence

m.ellis@city.ac.uk

Peer review

This article has been subject to open peer review and has been checked for plagiarism using automated software

Conflict of interest

None declared

Received: 25 October 2015

Accepted: 23 December 2015

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