Exploring College Students Living With Type 1 Diabetes’ Experiences Independently Interacting With Pediatric or Adult Endocrinologists: A Qualitative Study

The purpose of this study was to explore experiences of college students living with Type 1 Diabetes when interacting independently with their pediatric or adult endocrinologist. 31 participants who attended a 4-year university located in the southeastern United States were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Our findings revealed that participants reported that pediatric endocrinologists displayed empathy but did not emphasize the importance of having better A1c management. Conversely, participants shared that adult endocrinologists encouraged patient autonomy and implemented preventative care for creating a sick day plan and reducing future diabetes complications but did not focus on their health holistically. Pediatric and adult providers discussed and focused on management in different ways. Therefore, young adults with T1D need resources for communicating and partnering effectively with providers with prioritizing behavioral strategies to improve their A1c and overall well-being during pediatric and adult care.