P-38: Lived experience of adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: implications for healthcare professionals
A Orbea-Cevallos, J Acosta-EspañaAbstract
Introduction
In 2025, 1.8 million adolescents and young adults (AYAs) were living with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This stage represents a sensitive period in which individuals assume responsibility for self-care while undergoing psychosocial challenges and higher rates of depression and anxiety. Although research highlights the need for healthcare professionals to support transition preparation, qualitative evidence on AYAs’ lived experiences lacks a unifying perspective explaining how psychosocial development interacts with healthcare challenges.
Objectives
To synthesize the lived experiences of AYAs with T1DM and identify implications relevant to diabetes healthcare professionals.
Methods
A qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched (2015–2025) for studies examining experiential aspects of T1DM in individuals aged 10–24 years. Of 89 initial records, 15 studies met inclusion criteria with quality appraisal using CASP. Framework synthesis was used to interpret findings.
Results
Across the 15 studies included, findings suggest that AYAs experience T1DM as a balancing act between psychosocial vulnerability, everyday management demands, and healthcare system expectations. Emotional distress, stigma, and fear of complications shape experience, while diabetes routines occur across school, work, and relationships. Communication with healthcare professionals and access to technologies further influence this balance into adulthood.
Conclusions
The lived experience of AYAs with T1DM reflects a balance between psychosocial vulnerability, everyday self-management demands, and healthcare system factors during the transition to adulthood. Recognizing how these elements interact may help healthcare professionals better understand engagement with care and support continuity of diabetes management in this population.