Health Care Experience of Young Adults Diagnosed With Type 1 Diabetes

Young adulthood, defined as 17 to 25 years, is a critical period of development. For young adults newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, effective communication from a health care provider is critical. This qualitative study used an electronic interview questionnaire focused on health care professional interactions and course of diagnosis for 12 young adults in college who were diagnosed between ages 17 and 25 years. Three themes emerged: 1) a lack of health information specific for the young adult with type 1 diabetes, 2.) emotional turbulence with forward thinking, and 3) needs/concerns of the group. Health care providers need to work to limit barriers in communication and provide a holistic plan of care.