Life stories managing chronic illness: young adults’ lived experiences with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

This study aimed to characterise diabetes management experiences of South African young adults living with well-controlled type 1 diabetes (n = 8, female = 5, male = 3, age range = 20–25) The young adults told life stories managing their type 1 diabetes Thematic analysis revealed the young adults to construct personal identities as people living with type 1 diabetes, to mostly utilise emotion-focused management strategies and social support for successful living with type 1 diabetes Behavioural health strategies appear important for living well with this chronic insulin deficiency condition