Living Well with Long Term Type 1 Diabetes

Although many studies have explored the experience of the person with Type 1 Diabetes, most examine the experience of the child, adolescent, or the person in transition to adulthood. Few studies focus on the person living long term with Type 1 Diabetes. This study explored the facilitators and barriers to living well with Type 1 Diabetes for the long term. Four themes were identified: accommodating and battling the disease, the convenience and constraint of technology and treatment, self-reliance and reliance on others, and external and personal knowledge. Implications for the health care team include: recognize the person is the expert on their diabetes and develop a relationship of collegiality and problem solving; as the context of a person’s life affects their diabetes management, have conversations about life, beyond just diabetes control; and screen for, learn about, and be aware of ways to address diabetes distress.