Beyond the Diagnosis: Experiences of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes in Post-Primary School

Despite increasing research on type 1 diabetes (T1D), the first-hand accounts of adolescents managing the condition within school settings remain underrepresented, limiting our understanding of how they navigate educational environments. To address this gap, this doctoral research employed a dual approach: a systematic literature review and an empirical study, both framed by the Biopsycho-Ecological model. The systematic literature review synthesised findings from nine peer-reviewed studies published between January 2018 and May 2023. While these studies highlighted significant challenges, such as social isolation, mental health concerns, and the ongoing demands of diabetes management, few directly examined school-based experiences. The empirical study explored the school-based experiences of adolescents with T1D attending Irish post-primary schools. Using a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine adolescents diagnosed with T1D. Reflexive thematic analysis generated four core themes, emphasising the substantial cognitive burden of diabetes management and the complex effects of societal perceptions of T1D as an invisible health condition. The findings also revealed students’ resilience and underscored the crucial role of school-based healthcare support in shaping their emotional and social well-being. This research contributes to the limited body of literature on adolescents with T1D in post-primary education and highlights the need for enhanced societal awareness and robust school support systems. Implications for educational psychology practice, study limitations, and avenues for future research are also discussed.