Age-specific self-management skills training: young people’s experiences of type 1 diabetes education

Abstract

Background: Young adulthood is a critical time for the development of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) self-management skills, but it is also a time with many life transitions that can result in sub-optimal diabetes management. To address this issue, an age-specific educational intervention called WICKED (Working with Insulin, Carbohydrates, Ketones and Exercise to Manage Type 1 Diabetes) was developed and piloted. This study examines young people’s (YP) experiences of the intervention. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 YP, interviewed three months after the course. Interviews focused on their experiences during and since the course. These interviews were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Results: We identified three overarching themes; positive group identity, WICKED as a safe place and transformative perspectives. First, the YP found their condition isolating and, as a result, valued being with other people with T1DM and felt able to engage in self-management behaviours they otherwise felt would identify them as different. This led to a normalisation of self-management behaviours after the course. The YP modelled behaviour from peers who they felt had control over their diabetes. Second, while attending the course they felt safe to discuss the impact of their diabetes and make changes to their regimen. Third, the YP reported feeling more empowered in their interactions with health professionals after having attended the course. Discussion: Diabetes education that encourages peer-support and provides information that is relevant to YP can have a positive impact on self-management and can change the way YP engage with health services.