Diabetes management experience of middle-aged persons with type 1 diabetes

Aim: For middle-aged persons with type 1 diabetes, diabetes management is essential due to the natural effects of middle age. However, studies investigating how such individuals manage their diabetes are lacking. This study aimed to explore diabetes management experiences of middle-aged individuals with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Data were collected through in-depth interviews with six middle-aged persons with diabetes. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was used for the analysis of the data. Results: The following four themes emerged: “familiarity with but no control over type 1 diabetes”, “embodiment of one's unique management of type 1 diabetes”, “control of one's mindset regarding diabetes management despite a limited scope of activity”, and “accepting ownership of self-management and continued management to the best of one's ability.” A core theme was “living silently like robots dreaming of true freedom from type 1 diabetes.”. Conclusions: The findings indicate that nurses should provide education, embracing the experience in diabetes management through trial and error among persons with type 1 diabetes.