Young Adults Living with Type 1 Diabetes Experience of Other Persons Reception

The aim of this study was to describe how young adults with type 1 diabetes experience other persons reception. Living with a long-term illness such as type 1 diabetes influences daily life for young adults and their close relatives to a great extent. In order to live and manage daily life with a long-term illness, support is important and crucial. The study has a qualitative design. A purposive sample of twelve young adults (eight women and four men) with type 1 diabetes were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using a qualitative thematic content analysis. Young adults with type 1 diabetes experience both support and being discredited when meeting others. They emphasise the support they receive from parents, co-habitants and young adults in a similar situation. This entails feelings of a natural understanding and not being alone. In contrast, young adults with type 1 diabetes also experience being misunderstood and the problematic situation that relates to a lack of knowledge from people around them and healthcare personnel. This entails feelings of not being confident when meeting others and healthcare personnel. This study highlights the need for support and understanding amongst young adults with type 1 diabetes and their families from first and foremost the healthcare services. Society and healthcare services need more knowledge about type 1 diabetes so young adults with type 1 diabetes can receive support and care matching their needs. This is important for strengthening their health and well-being