Diabetes disclosure strategies in adolescents and young adult with type 1 diabetes

Qualitative analysis of helpful and unhelpful aspects of social relationships among young adults with type 1 diabetes

“…Our participants thus appeared to be strategic in who they disclosed to, providing personal health information to those who were helpful, but not disclosing or providing only basic diabetes information to those who were unhelpful or uninformed about diabetes, consistent with prior research. 14,15,17,18 Participants' reluctance to disclose to work colleagues about diabetes is also consistent with reports that, compared to older adults, young adults are particularly unlikely to disclose diabetes in occupational settings. 6,18 While we did not specifically query why disclosure was unlikely, some individuals spontaneously expressed that their desire to not burden others, avoid stigma or be independent in their management made disclosure less likely.…”

“…14,15,18 A better understanding of young adults' disclosures of their diabetes management experiences is necessary because disclosure and educating others about diabetes may facilitate one's ability to utilize social resources to benefit diabetes management. 17 The present qualitative study was conducted to illuminate how others are involved in daily aspects of diabetes management during young adulthood, a high-risk time of development. The aims were to identify who is involved in diabetes management at this time of life, how others are helpful or unhelpful and what information young adults disclose to others about type 1 diabetes self-management.…”

“…14,15 However, young adults face barriers to disclosure, such as privacy concerns and avoiding stigma. [14][15][16] Some evidence suggests young adults are strategic when deciding to whom, to what extent and when to disclose diabetes problems, 17 rarely disclosing diabetes-related information to peers and co-workers due to embarrassment, stigma and fears of being overlooked for career advancement. 14,15,18 A better understanding of young adults' disclosures of their diabetes management experiences is necessary because disclosure and educating others about diabetes may facilitate one's ability to utilize social resources to benefit diabetes management.…”

Shape of Life: A Qualitative Study on the Challenges Posed by Diabetic Students

“…There are social and developmental problems in puberty and young adulthood that can affect the treatment of T1D. Forming and gaining new relationships such as with schoolmates, friends, and peers creates an opportunity of not revealing their T1D status (Pihlaskari, et al, 2020). Children and their parents explained how their everyday lives were influenced by stigmatization and social restrictions as a result of fear of revealing the disease, which could affect their status in society.…”

Transmitting Insulin: The Design and Look of Insulin Delivery Devices as Technologies of Communication

“…As such, preferring to keep their condition private, some diabetics hesitate to disclose their disease to others (Pihlaskari et al 2020). Studies also show that type 1 diabetics experience "diabetes distress" due to self-consciousness and social stigma, as well as the burdens of having to daily manage a serious chronic disease (Balfe et al 2013).…”