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Updated: Sep 22, 2025

A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19
Published on: July 5, 2022
Living with type 1 diabetes mellitus in emerging adulthood: A qualitative study
Chiara Fioretti1, Chiara Mugnaini2,3
1Department of Human, Philosophical and Educational Sciences (DISUFF), University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy.
Objective:
Few studies have investigated the impact of diabetes considering its effects on developmental tasks that are typical of emerging adulthood. The present study aimed to investigate how emerging adults with a chronic condition such as type 1 diabetes mellitus manage with this developmental phase.
Methods:
30 emerging adults diagnosed with diabetes (18-34 years, females = 19) took part in an autobiographical interview investigating their experience of dealing with type 1 diabetes. Narratives were analysed by means of a qualitative thematic analysis of an inductive type.
Results:
Thematic analysis pointed out five thematic areas strictly related to the tasks of emerging adulthood: the development of intimate relationships, university life, work and plans for the future, the achievement of individual autonomy, the construction of an adult identity and family planning. Every thematic area reported a number of subthemes related to specific difficulties experienced by participants in reaching their developmental tasks due to chronic disease. Emerged themes considered both negative and positive outcomes of living with type 1 diabetes mellitus in emerging adulthood, such as a personal growth related to identity development.
Conclusion:
The authors discussed results considering complexities and resources associated with diabetes in the light of developmental tasks of emerging adulthood.
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