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

ABSTRACT Objective To explore the impact of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) on couples' health, wellbeing and relationship, and their needs. Background Family systems theory 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 such as sleep disturbances and distress around hypoglycemia, 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 semistructured interviews with PWT1D ( n = 7) and their partners ( n = 7), followed by joint couple interviews ( n = 7), were conducted virtually and analyzed using the IPA technique. Results Couples living with T1D experience relationship challenges related to four themes: acceptance and adjustment, partnership, spontaneity versus planning, and immediate and long‐term fears. They also have unmet support needs resulting from insufficient support from health care professionals. Conclusion We recommend increased partner involvement in self‐management education to improve the health, well‐being, 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.