The lived experience of type 1 diabetes in adulthood: a phenomenological study

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes in adulthood permeates every aspect of life. While previous research has been carried out on the experience of living with type 1 diabetes, none of it has been written from the perspective of a nurse researcher with type 1 diabetes, who was one of the participants in this phenomenological study. van Manen's (1997) method of inquiry was used to explore the meaning of the lived experience of type 1 diabetes in adulthood. Unstructured interviews were conducted with five women and three men. Eight themes were identified from data analysis: (1) constant vigilance, (2) struggling for stability, (3) striving for freedom, (4) surviving perceived noncompliance, (5) the lived experience of blood glucose fluctuations, (6) enduring sustained uncertainty, (7) family support: sustaining or smothering, and (8) being alone with diabetes. These findings go beyond previous research in that they reveal a discerning insight into the depth of the ongoing impact of type 1 diabetes on the lives of these eight adults. In addition, the findings highlight the ways in which these adults meet the challenges of type 1 diabetes with perseverance, courage, and pride in their achievements, and how they continuously strive to live happy and productive lives.