Abstract
Objectives
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a complex and chronic disease that often requires management within an interpersonal context. Young couples may face unique challenges as they integrate and negotiate diabetes routines into their lives. The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of young adult couples as they adjust and adapt to the management of T1D in their relationship.
Methods
Young adults (25–40 years) living with T1D and their romantic partners (77 couples, 154 individuals) were separately interviewed. A constant comparison approach was used to qualitatively analyze the data for similarities and differences in perceptions of diabetes management as a dyad. Themes were then identified.
Results
Three themes emerged from the data: learning to incorporate diabetes into the relationship, working together to manage diabetes, and parenting with T1D. Young adult couples are developing coping mechanisms to manage diabetes together. Partners must learn to balance being supportive without being over controlling.
Discussion
Young adults with T1D and partners adjust to diabetes as a couple. Diabetes education for the partner is important to the relationship. Interventions developed to support couples establish collaboration earlier in their relationship may be beneficial for clinical and relationship outcomes.
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