Picture This: Navigating Type 1 Diabetes in Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face unique challenges with diabetes self-management. We aimed to explore these experiences using photoethnography.

Methods: As part of a larger psychosocial ecological momentary assessment phenotyping study, AYA with T1D were invited to participate in this optional 14-day sub-study. A convenience sample was asked to upload one digital photograph (photo) and caption per day representing their daily successes or challenges of living with T1D. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted on the photo captions using MAXQDA version 24 (Berlin, Germany) to summarize diabetes self-management perspectives.

Results: Nineteen (out of a possible forty-two) participants (47% female and mean age 23 years (SD 3.8) submitted at least one photo and caption with a median submission of 3 photos (range 1-11). As shown in Figure 1, thematic analysis revealed that self-management of T1D in AYA demands constant vigilance which sometimes impedes emotional well-being. The emotional impact included feelings of isolation and self-judgment. AYA with T1D rely on pets as a significant source of emotional support.

Conclusion: In this study, photoethnography using mobile technology was an accessible methodology that allowed for visual glimpses into the everyday life of diabetes from the perspectives of AYA with T1D. Further studies on how to best support the unique psychosocial needs of this age group with T1D are needed.

Document Type

Meeting Abstract

Publication Date

6-5-2026

Publication Title

Diabetes

First Page

1579-P

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