Impact of Type 1 diabetes on couples' health, well-being, and relationship: An Interpretative phenomenological analysis study

Objective: To explore the impact of type 1 diabetes (T1D) on couples’ health, wellbeing and relationship, and their needs.
Background: Family Systems Theory (FST) suggests that a chronic illness in one family member, e.g. a spouse with T1D, can affect other family members, including the partner. Evidence also suggests that partners of people with T1D (PWT1D) can experience health issues like sleep disturbances and distress around hypoglycaemia, which can influence PWT1D’s self-management, glucose levels and diabetes outcomes.
Methods: Underpinned by Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology, seven couples living with T1D were recruited to participate in the study. Individual semi-structured interviews with PWT1D (n=7) and their partners (n=7), followed by joint couple interviews (n=7) were conducted virtually and analysed using the IPA technique.
Results: Couples living with T1D experience relationship challenges related to four themes: Acceptance and adjustment, Partnership, Spontaneity vs planning, and Immediate and long-term fears. They also have unmet support needs resulting from insufficient support from healthcare professionals.
Conclusion: The authors recommend increased partner involvement in self-management education to improve the health, wellbeing, relationship, and needs of couples with T1D.
Implications: Future research should focus on developing interventions with couples with T1D and other chronic conditions to address their challenges and unmet needs.