"Diabetes is really simple on paper, but really complicated when you actually have it": Understanding the daily stressors of adolescents living with Type 1 diabetes.
Kaitlyn Rechenberg, Carley Geiss, Rebecca Koerner and 2 others
PMID 41774410WHAT IT FOUND
20 adolescents with type 1 diabetes described constant mental load, blood sugar monitoring, school and public management stress, and pandemic isolation.
Family and peer support, physical or calming activities, and growing acceptance were described as helping them cope.
Key findings
01Adolescents named four main diabetes-related stressors: mental load of management, impact on daily activities, embarrassment managing in public, and COVID-19 risk and social isolation.
02They managed stress and well-being through family support, peer support, enjoyable activities, and personal acceptance.
03Worrying about blood sugar during physical activity and the management needed to participate detracted from enjoyment and confidence.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The sample was 20 adolescents, recruited through social media, and 85% identified as non-Hispanic white, 75% identified as female, and 75% used insulin pumps, so it may not reflect adolescents who are not active online, who are male, from other racial or ethnic groups, or who use injections. Data were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic, so pandemic fear, isolation, and supply delays may not apply to ordinary times. Eligibility required at least 6 months since diagnosis, fluent English, and no other chronic condition requiring intensive daily management, so newly diagnosed adolescents, non-English speakers, and those with complex conditions were not represented. The study describes experiences and coping strategies; it does not test whether support, activity, or acceptance improve diabetes control, mood, or self-management. The authors selected ages 14 to 17, so it says less about younger children or adults transitioning after college.
Declared interests
The supplied text does not report external funding or author conflict-of-interest declarations. Participants received a $20 gift card as compensation.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the coping strategies as proven treatments. The study asked 20 adolescents what they experienced and what helped; it did not test whether family support, peer support, physical activity, or acceptance improve diabetes outcomes.