Everyday life in a family of an adult person with Type 1 diabetes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a substantive theory of everyday life in a family with an adult with Type 1 diabetes. The data consist of interviews conducted with people with diabetes (n = 19) and their family members (n = 19). Based on the results, diabetes is visible or invisible, present in the everyday life. Life must be carefully planned and diabetes must be taken into consideration in everything. A person with diabetes tries to keep the balance with his/her self-management. Keeping the balance with self-management is demanding to a person with diabetes and the family members’ support is needed. Managing with hypoglycaemia touches the everyday life of the whole family. The family lives with changing feelings. The family becomes acquainted with diabetes little by little and the process promotes the family's participation in the self-management. The family's contribution to self-management varies. Based on the results, it is recommended to develop family-centered interventions.