Juvenile diabetes: the family's experience with diabetic adolescents and pre-adolescents

This study aimed at investigating the experience of taking care of adolescents and pre-adolescents with type 1 diabetes from the standpoint of their family members. A phenomenological approach, i.e. a type of qualitative analysis aimed at understanding the meaning of life experiences, was used. Ten parents (9 mothers and 1 father) were interviewed at a teaching hospital in the interior of Sao Paulo state. The experience of taking care of a child with diabetes emerged from the converging points reported under 3 main themes: the universe of the disease; personal relationships; reflections on the experience. The participants described their difficulties and the strategies they use for keeping the family together besides providing support to the children. They believe they have to accept and face the challenges, besides motivating their children in order to ensure their safety and quality of life. The data obtained show the need for professional support as well as for a space for discussing themes of interest, both for the children with diabetes and for their families.