Normalizing: adolescent experiences living with type 1 diabetes

The purpose of this research study was to gain a greater understanding of adolescents' experiences living with diabetes and build a theoretical paradigm to inform interventional design.

Classical grounded theory was utilized; 15 in-depth interviews of 11 subjects were conducted with Caucasian adolescents' ages 11 to 15 with type 1 diabetes. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Codes were linked to create the paradigm.

A theoretical model was developed about the concept of "normalizing." Normalizing is defined as the ability of the adolescents to integrate diabetes into the background of their daily life by creating routines to make diabetes "part of me." Codes identified in normalizing included: (1) recognizing life is changing, (2) taking action to prevent a crisis, (3) disclosing to engage support, (4) taking on the burden of care, (5) accepting the "new normal," and (6) hoping for a normal future.

Normal developmental tasks of adolescence were closely related and contribute to understanding why adolescents struggle with diabetes. These research findings place a different and positive perspective on diabetes management; the focus shifts to supporting wellness and maintaining a normal life rather than on illness. Findings are expected to be of value to health providers working with adolescents with type 1 diabetes, parents, nursing researchers, and adolescents facing the challenge of diabetes management.