The Diabetes World

This study examined the impact of early onset Type 1diabetes on the development of the self and identityin 20 adults age 20 or older who were diagnosed atage five or younger. This study aimed to provideinsight into the intrinsic effects of a chronicillness as distinct from the adaptive process thatoccurs when a person is diagnosed later in life. Thestudy employed a qualitative approach of descriptiveresearch in which systematic descriptions of the datawere provided.This study found that participants generally feltfortunate to have developed diabetes at a youngerage as they did not have to cope with the process ofadjustment. Respondents mostly reported that thediabetes had become integrated into their sense ofself. A number of character traits were thought tohave developed such as: being cautious ordisciplined; feeling greater appreciation of health;being proud of surviving so long; developing innerstrength; and feeling greater appreciation for life. All of the participants expressed having felt somedegree of difference when interacting with people whodid not have the condition. Some respondents feltthat their differences made them special.