"I Don't Want to Feel Judged": A Qualitative Study of Adolescents' Experiences of Living with Type 2 Diabetes.

Abstract

Objectives: To explore adolescents' experiences of T2D, particularly concerning (1) diagnosis and management and (2) emotional wellbeing.

Methods: Participants, recruited from an Australian tertiary paediatric hospital, participated in a focus group or semi-structured interview. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results: Eight adolescents (seven females and one male) (mean±SD age 16.2±2.3 years, median [IQR] diabetes duration 1.7 [0.8-2.5] years, HbA1c 7.5 [6.2-8.4]%, and body mass index (Z-score) 1.97 [0.70-2.29]) participated. Most participants (n = 6) were from a linguistically diverse background. Their diabetes management varied from lifestyle measures alone to medication/s. Thematic analysis generated three themes relating to diagnosis and management: (1) 'Dietary modification as the biggest encumbrance in managing T2D', (2) 'Medications pose a significant challenge to managing T2D', and (3) 'The value of reminders in managing T2D varies in adolescents. Furthermore, four themes were generated concerning emotional wellbeing: (1) 'Diverse feelings are experienced at the time of diagnosis', (2) 'Diabetes has varying impacts on the daily lives of adolescents with T2D', (3) 'Young people fear stigma and judgement', and (4) 'Having a good support network matters'.

Conclusions: Adolescents with T2D experience difficulties with dietary modification and medication management. Adolescents' feelings at diagnosis and the impact of T2D on a young person's life vary. They fear judgment and stigma, and a diverse support network is paramount in supporting their T2D management and emotional wellbeing. The findings can assist health professionals in supporting adolescents with T2D.