Exploring Self-Management Among Adolescents With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Descriptive–Qualitative Study

Aims: To understand the need for self-management among adolescents with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and provide a reference for developing tailored management programmes. Design: Descriptive–qualitative. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to recruit 10 adolescents with T2DM from a paediatric and adolescent diabetes clinic at a tertiary hospital in Bangkok. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted from January to March 2023, and the data were thematically analysed. Results: Five key themes were coded: (1) understanding T2DM diagnoses; (2) seeking support for diabetes self-management (DSM); (3) self-managing T2DM; (4) understanding barriers to DSM; and (5) seeking T2DM telehealth. Conclusion: Adolescents with T2DM mostly receive adequate DSM understanding from healthcare providers. However, although they are strongly willing to manage their condition, they face significant challenges (e.g., limited knowledge, stress, and social pressure). Support from family, healthcare providers, and peers is crucial in fostering effective DSM. Medical staff should provide personalised care based on each patient's status and needs, encouraging the development of self-managing behaviours while helping prevent complications. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: Enhanced cultural sensitivity training can improve patient trust and plan adherence. Impact: Key insights are provided for healthcare providers regarding the early management of adolescents with T2DM and designing prevention programmes. Guidance for tailored interventions is provided, addressing adolescents' unique needs and focusing on improving their knowledge, emotional well-being, and support channels. Patient or Public Contribution: Guidance for tailored interventions is provided, addressing adolescents' unique needs and focusing on improving their knowledge, emotional well-being, and support channels.