Personal and Relationship Challenges of AdultsWith Type 1 Diabetes A qualitative focus group study

OBJECTIVEdLittle is known about the psychosocial challenges of adults living with type 1 diabetes or its impact on partner relationships. This qualitative study was undertaken to gain better understanding of these issues. RESEARCH DESIGN ANDMETHODSdFour focus groups were held, two with adult type 1 diabetic patients (n = 16) and twowith partners (n = 14). Two broad questions were posed: “What are the emotional and interpersonal challenges you have experienced because you have (your partner has) type 1 diabetes? ” and “How does the fact that you have (your partner has) type 1 diabetes affect your relationship with your partner, positively and/or negatively? ” Sessions were recorded and transcribed, and analyzed by a team of four researchers, using constant compar-ative methods to identify core domains and concepts. RESULTSdFour main domains were identified: 1) impact of diabetes on the relationship, including level of partner involvement, emotional impact of diabetes on the relationship, and concerns about child-rearing; 2) understanding the impact of hypoglycemia; 3) stress of potential complications; and 4) benefits of technology. Themes suggest that, although partner involvement varies (very little to significant), there exists significant anxiety about hypoglycemia and futur