Objective: Research on how adolescents with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) understand and use social support is limited. Therefore, we explored how adolescents with T2DM experience and perceive social support.
Methods: Adolescents with T2DM were interviewed, and data were qualitatively analyzed using Consensual Qualitative Research methodology.
Results: Four themes emerged: support for nondiabetes and diabetes-specific behaviors, feelings of belonging, and disclosure. All participants expressed emotional and self-care-specific support. For some, disclosure and a sense of belonging with others who had diabetes often led to support elicitation. Participants also expressed a fear of disclosing their diabetes to others.
Discussion: Adolescents with T2DM value tangible and emotional support for behaviors both related and not related to diabetes. Fear of disclosure was a typical experience with disclosure often limited to close friends and family. Recommendations for health professionals to assist adolescents in promoting appropriate disclosure and means of requesting support are discussed.