A user perspective on type 1 diabetes: sense of illness, search for freedom and the role of the pharmacy

The aim of the study described in this article was to explore young type I diabetic patients self-perceived knowledge, perception of diabetes, ways of regulating insulin intake, purpose of behaviour and attitudes about and requirements of the pharmacy. The interest group for utilising this study comprises pharmacy practice researchers and staff at community pharmacies who plan to focus on type I diabetic patients. The study, based on 10 semi-structured qualitative interviews, showed how young type I diabetic patients can be divided into three different groups based on the way they regulate their insulin intake. These groups are described and discussed in detail in the article. What drives the diabetic patients in terms of regulating insulin intake is primarily their experience-based knowledge and their search for freedom. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.