Work

Adjustment experiences of adolescents living with well-controlled type 1 diabetes using closed-loop technology

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Aim: This study aimed to obtain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of adolescents with well-controlled type 1 diabetes who were adjusting to closed-loop technology. Method: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was conducted. Five participants (aged 15-18) were recruited from the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology in Parktown, South Africa, to participate in semi-structured interviews about their experiences of adjusting to closed-loop technology. Results: Five superordinate themes emerged (1): learning to trust the technology (2), making diabetes visible (3), building a relationship with diabetes (4), empowering support networks, and (5) transformative positive outcomes. The findings demonstrate that closed-loop technology positively impacts the adjustment to living with type 1 diabetes. However, as highlighted by all participants, the individual's engagement and management are crucial. Based on the adolescents' experiences, interventions should focus on psychological factors.

Source: Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare

DOI: 10.3389/fcdhc.2024.1445972

Authors: Sylvia Kruger, Elmari Deacon, Esmé van Rensburg, David Segal

Institution: North-West University

Language: English

Topic: Diabetes Management and Education

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,125